FAU looks to build off first win, eyes Buffalo
BOCA RATON — There was a huge celebration in the Florida Atlantic locker room after the football team’s 45-0 victory last weekend against BethuneCookman.
The players and staff had good reason to dance and pat themselves on the back. It was the first win under first-year coach Lane Kiffin, stopping a four-game losing streak dating to last season.
Now, the plan is to shake off the hangover and prepare for Saturday’s game at Buffalo. To help ensure that, Kiffin made a point to highlight the mistakes in the Bethune-Cookman game and not just harp on the positives.
“I made sure that they saw that and not just praise them,” Kiffin said. “That game is over with. We’ve got to go win the next one.”
Players appeared to have gotten the message. Kiffin called Monday’s practice one of the best of the season. After dropping the first two games against Navy and then-No. 9 Wisconsin, things are finally starting to come together.
“Obviously, our best game by far,” Kiffin said of the Bethune-Cookman victory. “I do think we’ve improved each week. That’ll be our goal again this week to do.”
The Owls (1-2) have normalcy on their side. They spent most of last week in Wisconsin because their travel plans were affected by Hurricane Irma. They had just two days in South Florida before returning to the playing field.
This is their first typical work week since before the season opener, even that was shortened because they Lane Kiffin, FAU head coach
played on a Friday night.
“We’re just back to work,” Kiffin said. “We’ve just got to get better. Guys practiced really well [Monday]. That was good to see. Confidence is important. I think when you win a game like that and play that well in so many different areas, especially some kids that haven’t won a lot, I think that’s important. I think it helps.”
The Owls will likely spend much of the week working on their passing game. It is one area that has caused some concern. Even though quarterbacks Daniel Parr and Jason Driskel combined to hit on 19 of 32 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown last game, only four of the completions were in front scrimmage.
“Our vertical passing game needs to improve, which has been an issue all year for us,” Kiffin said.
FAU received a bit of good news when linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair practiced Monday. He left Saturday’s game with an undisclosed injury, but Kiffin sounded like Al-Shaair would be available against Buffalo. A junior, Al-Shaair has led the team in tackles the past two seasons.
“He was out there [Monday], so hopefully he plays,” Kiffin said.
The Owls lost 33-15 when they last met Buffalo in 2015. After closes losses to Minnesota and Army, Bulls quarterback Tyree Jackson led them to a 33-10 victory against Colgate last week. He threw for 184 yards and ran for 97 more, accounting for two touchdowns.
“I think offensively their quarterback has really improved,” Kiffin said. “They really struggled last year at times … They’ve gotten a lot better. … We’re going to have our hands full.” of the line of