Conference USA Preview: Florida Atlantic University Owls

Florida Atlantic University Owls

Last Year: 3-9 (3-5)/ 6th in East

The Owls had a rough 2015. Three, 3 game losing streaks led to the 9 losses, but one of those wins were against rival Florida International. The other two wins came from Charlotte and Old Dominion, which are the bottom-feeder teams. FAU almost pulled out the upset in the swamp against the #8 Florida Gators, but fell short 14-20.

Players to Watch

DE Trey Hendrickson

• 2015 1st Team All-Conference USA
• 2015 2nd in Nation in sacks (13.0 sacks)

P Dalton Shomp

• 2015 1st Team All-Conference USA
• 2015 National leader (48.0 YPP)

LB Azeez Al-Shaair

• Conference USA All-Freshman
• USA Today Freshman All-American

The Owls have 14 starters returning, and 8 of those on the offensive side. R-SO Jason Driskel (Yes, he’s Jeff’s younger brother) is expected to be the start on this up-tempo offense. Driskel played in 10 games, but was mostly used in set packages. In his two starts against Miami and Buffalo, Driskel went a combined 40-86 for 588 yards, 2 TD and 2 INTs. Both were losses, but he was playing as a R-FR. JR Greg “Buddy” Howell, JR led the team in rushing with 598 yards and 3 TD.

SR DE Trey Hendrickson leads the Owls on defense. Hendrickson racked up 13.5 sacks making him the program’s all-time sack leader and 1st team All C-USA. Staying in the front 7, Azeez Al-Shaair led the team with 94 tackles and added 7 tackles for loss. Players lost to graduation will hurt this defense. Of the 14 interception, only 6 return. Look for Ocie Rose and Jalen Young to step up and try to cover the loss of Crevon LeBlanc.

Total Offense	86th/7th (377.8)	Total Defense	70th/4th (405.1)
Passing Yards	75th/9th (213.1)	Passing Defense	80th/6th (236.7)
Rushing Yards	72nd/5th (164.8)	Rushing Defense	66th/7th (168.4)
Scoring Offense	105th/10th (22.4)	Scoring Defense	83rd/6th (28.8)

Big Games of 2016

Sep. 10     @ Miami

Oct. 1        @FIU

Oct. 29         WKU

Prediction

5-7 (4-4)/5th East

The growth of this team will rest on Driskel’s shoulders. If his play can improve the Owl’s offense by 30 ypg, this team wins 5 games, if not, a bowl game. I do think Driskel improves. I see 5 wins. The FIU and Rice games could swing this team’s season.