BOCA RATON, Fla. – Tuesday brought the opportunity to talk Florida Atlantic University offense and gave offensive coordinator Michael Johnson an opportunity to review last weekend’s 38-9 victory over Charlotte, before turning his attention to this week’s Homecoming opponent and fellow Conference USA member UTEP (6-1 overall, 3-0 C-USA).
The Owls (4-3 overall, 2-1 C-USA) are riding an 11-game home winning streak, the sixth longest active streak in the NCAA. Next into Boca Raton will be a stout UTEP defense, this Saturday at 6 p.m. at FAU Stadium. The game is scheduled to air on ESPN+.
N’Kosi Perry is expected to lead FAU’s offensive attack after a strong showing at Charlotte where the graduate student was 9-for-11 for 225 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Perry led the team with 10 carries and was credited with 26 rushing yards. The Ocala native has earned a spot on the Davey O’Brien Quarterback Class of 2021. That designation makes him eligible to be voted one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
COORDINATOR’S CORNER
Offensive Coordinator Michael Johnson
On the offensive performance against Charlotte:
“Last game, I thought we were really efficient running the ball. Like I said before, when we run the ball well, it opens up everything else. It opens up our playaction game. It opens up our quick touch game. It opens up everything in our offense and when we’re able to do that, then we are a pretty good offense, so we had to get that going last week. Even though we fumbled on the first drive, we still moved the ball effectively. That was just one of those games where we were not going to be denied.”
On quarterback N’Kosi Perry:
“I thought he played well outside of putting the ball on the ground on a couple of our spread option plays. He [Perry] was real effective. He was 9-for-11 for over 200 yards and three touchdowns which is a very good, efficient football game for a quarterback. I thought he played at a high level and he did and executed what we asked him to.”
On facing UTEP’s defense:
“They’re stout against the run. They are a very good defense. I think they’re No. 1 in Conference USA. They have a veteran group. I think all 11 guys are redshirt juniors or higher. They’re a good football team. The goal every week is to run the ball efficiently on first and second down. We have to be able to do that in order for us to be who we want to be. It’s going to be a good challenge for us, but I think we’re going to be up to it.”
On the running back room:
“We have a good stable of running backs and we want to make sure we get the ball to the guy in areas where they can be effective and do things well. I think it’ll still be a ‘running back by committee,’ but we have to be able to get them the ball in places where they do well.”
PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE
Redshirt Freshman Offensive Lineman Kamaar Bell
On the offensive line’s run blocking success against Charlotte:
“It’s because of the practices we had. Coaches were just really harping on finishing blocks. We sustained a lot of blocks and we had a lot of open holes for our backs.”
On improvements to make:
“As a whole, there’s always room for improvement. We just need to focus on finishing our blocks, staying on blocks, communicating.”
On facing UTEP:
“Their defensive line is the heart of their team. If we beat them up front, we’ll win the game.”
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