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Sunday, June 17, 2012

119. Florida Atlantic


(1-11, 0-8) Sun Belt


Rankings -

Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg
Rushing
105.67
Rushing
168.92
Passing
143.08
Passing
223.33
Total
248.75
Total
392.25
Points
12.92
Points
34.67


Overview

The Owls had one of the worst offenses in the country last season, ranking 119th in points and reaching the nadir in the programs brief existence when they mustered just 48 total yards and 1 first down against Michigan State. The defense was tougher, but the stats are skewed as teams didn’t have to travel as far to score on FAU. In saying that, the defense spent a lot of time on the pitch too. Regardless, the team was pretty awful, and Howard Schnellenberger, the only coach FAU has ever known, retired. In comes tough guy-coach Carl (brother of Bo) Pellini to try and turn the program around in his first HC stint. I wish him luck -he’ll need it!

Offense

QB was the biggest problem on offense for the Owls, as Graham Wilbert and his understudies combined for just 8 TDs and 16 interceptions. Wilbert is back, as is third-stringer Stephen Curtis, but there is no guarantee either will start come August. Pelini loaded up on JUCOs and there are a couple of QBs who could steal the job. RB looks worse off, with star Alfred Morris (1186, 9 TDs) graduated. He practically carried the offense on his back at times and will be hard to replace. His backup last season, Xavier Stinson (88 yards), gets first shot to start, but another JUCO, Martese Jackson, should make an impact. He’s small at 5’6 and 165 lbs, but he has 4.4 speed and is stronger than his size suggests. Second leading receiver Darian Williams (26-291-3) has graduated, leaving DeAndre Richardson (32-269-0) and Marcus Cunningham (18-257-1) to step it up next season. TE Nexon Dorvilus chipped in with 21 receptions, as did Stinson. The receivers weren’t helped by the lack of production at QB, but could raise their game a bit. The offensive line returns three guys who started last season, but will look to some new recruits to improve on last year’s abject performance. Watch out for JUCO Stern Vile and Minnesota transfer Jonathon Ragoo, both of whom weigh in excess of 330.

Defense

The Owls’ defense had its moments last season, which was pretty impressive considering some of the personnel they fielded, but they were nowhere near good enough to keep the team competitive over the course of the season. Pelini is changing to a 40 front this season, but is essentially starting from scratch with only two players who started last season returning. JImmy Jean bounced around the line last season, but is better suited to DT in an even front. He needs to be tougher though. David Baptiste will join him inside, but he’s small for a tackle. After just 17 sacks last season, some production will be needed from whoever the new ends are. Look for the new recruits to have an impact here too. All four primary starting LBs return, but Cory Henry will probably return to DE. David Hinds, Randall Johnson and Andrae Kirk were the three leading tacklers, combining for 292 tackles, 26 for loss, and all should keep their spots this season. They’re a decent bunch who should perform better with an extra linemen to occupy OLs. The secondary had their moments last year, but need more help from the pass rush for them to improve. Demetrius Williamson was okay at SS last season, but switches over to FS to make way for JUCO Jeremy McKnight. Treon Howard and Keith Reaser return at CB, but will face more man coverage this season. Freshman Adrian Burton received a lot of offers from other FBS schools and could steal a starting spot.

Special Teams

The Owls had a decent punter in Mickey Groody, but he’s graduated and someone will be needed to take over. Sean Dooley will get first shot, but Marcelo Bonani could beat him out. He could also take over at kicker, especially as incumbent Vinny Zaccario’s consistency slipped down the stretch. DJ Frye-Smith was okay as a KR last season, averaging 21 yards a pop, while Travis Jones averaged 7 yards on punt returns. With some better blocking, they could flip the field more often. Watch for Jackson to have some impact here too. Kick coverage was okay, but the punt coverage units were awful.

5 Players to watch out for


  1. RB Martese Jackson - don’t let his size fool you - he carried the load in junior college and could have similar success to Bobby Rainey of WKU, another small back who was a bellcow in the Sun Belt. FAU dearly need someone to step up at RB.
  2. WR DeAndre Richardson - he was a player to watch last season, but he never came close to reaching his potential. He could still do it, but in a chicken-egg scenario, he needs his QB to pull his weight too.
  3. OLs Stern Vile/Jonathon Ragoo - these two behemoths will be welcome additions to a line that allowed 34 sacks last season. They’ll also (hopefully) provide some push in the running game.
  4. DT Isaac Edwards - the Owls lack size in the middle and will be glad to have Edwards, a 3 star recruit. He’s a good run-stuffer who should see time in the rotation from day 1.
  5. DE Brandin Bryant - FAU need help rushing the passer, and Bryant may be the man to do it. He’s got good speed and enough size to hold up against the run. In fact, he’s bigger than some of the Owls’ tackles.

Prediction

Outside of opening up against FCS squad Wagner, the OOC is nasty, with trips to Georgia and Alabama (on consecutive weeks) and Navy on the slate. Surviving the two SEC squads relatively unscathed is paramount, as there is no real depth outside of the Owls’ few good starters. They may have enough to knock off a couple of conference foes, so 3 or 4 wins (if they stay healthy) isn’t out of the question. However, I think Pelini’s first season at the helm will be a tough one, and the best FAU can hope for is a 2-10 season.

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