BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University football began its preparation for this week’s contest in Norfolk, Virginia versus Conference USA member Old Dominion. The two teams are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday in a game that will air on ESPN+. The Owls (5-4 overall, 3-2 in Conference USA) have a 4-2 record all-time versus the Monarchs (3-6 overall, 2-3 C-USA) and captured both games previously played in Norfolk, but at the team’s old stadium.
FAU is expected to be led by quarterback N’Kosi Perry, who has already made a mark among the program’s all-time offensive leaders.
COORDINATOR’S CORNER
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Michael Johnson
On Old Dominion:
“They have a good defense, especially against the run. They have a good scheme. We’re going to have to really work hard to have an effective game running the ball.”
On the offense’s run game success:
“We played hard. We finished blocks. We ran hard with the ball from a running back standpoint. We blocked the perimeter well. Everybody connected and played with great effort that allowed us to be successful in the run game.”
On drops in the passing game:
“You have to loosen the defense up a little bit in order to run the ball, otherwise they’ll outnumber you. We had some opportunities for some big plays in the passing game down the field. We just didn’t make the plays. It goes together. If you’re going to run the ball, then you have to get [the defense] out of the box. Once you get them out of the box and you back them up, now you should be able to manage the guys up front.”
On redshirt sophomore running back Johnny Ford:
“We play back-by-committee. Johnny has his touches. Then we come in and go Malcolm [Davidson]. Then we come back in with J.C. [James Charles]. All of those guys at the end of the game have a certain amount of touches. Johnny was real effective last week. He did a good job of running the ball inside, he bounced it outside a couple of times, had a couple of big plays there.”
On graduate tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden:
“He’s playing a lot better. I thought he was extremely physical this past week in his blocking. He’s doing a better job in the passing game. He’s starting to come on. He’s starting to gain confidence. We’re really excited about where he is and the growth he’s continued to show throughout the season.”
PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE
Redshirt senior offensive lineman Desmond Noel
On Old Dominion:
“When you look at their record, it’s easy to assume something about their team, but you look at the last two games, you can tell they’re very much improved. The type of defense they run, they’re very sound and know what they’re doing. We have to put a lot of emphasis on technique and our assignment and know what we’re doing.”
On Johnny Ford:
“When he makes big plays, he’s quick to come up to the O-line and tell us how good of a job we’re doing. He motivates us to keep blocking for him. He’s definitely a good running back to block for.”
On offensive emphasis:
“It’s just consistency. Sometimes it’s tempo, sometimes we as an O-line have to get on the ball quicker. You can’t give up on a drive. You can’t get into the red zone and automatically think you’re going to score. You have to keep pushing and keep fighting for that touchdown.”
TICKETS
Single-game tickets for the 2021 season are available. To experience “Football in Paradise,” Click HERE or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS.
