FAU finds success on third downs

NORFOLK, VA. — After struggling to convert on third down for much of the season, Florida Atlantic made magic on the money down Saturday to quickly jump on Old Dominion in the teams’ Conference USA opener at Foreman Field.

Through five games, the Owls had converted just 29 percent of their third downs, a figure that ranked 13th in the 14-team league. Saturday, however, they cashed in on eight of their first 11 chances in racing to a 31-14 lead late in the second quarter.

On their final drive of this sequence, Devin “Motor” Singletary ran for 37 yards on third-and-21. Three plays later, quarterback Jason Driskel capped the drive by running a career-best 39 yards for a touchdown on third-and-7.

Driskel finished the half with two rushing touchdowns, then added a third midway through the third quarter.

Running back Gregory “Buddy” Howell joined the career 2,000-yard club during the first half, and also added a 2-yard touchdown run. The half ended with the Owls amassing 228 yards and four TDs on the ground. Naturally, Singletary got into the act as well, racking up 139 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries the opening 30 minutes.

First half interceptions by safety Jalen Young and cornerback Chris Tooley gave the Owls multiple picks for the second straight game ... All five of Greg Joseph’s first-half kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. Of his first 31 such kicks, only six were returned ... What was shaping up to be a clean half for the Owls turnover-wise was spoiled when Willie Wright muffed a punt and Driskel tossed an interception — both inside the final minute. The FAU defense kept Old Dominion from capitalizing on either mistake, though ... Singletary’s first-half TD was his 10th this season, giving the sophomore double-digit scores for the second straight season.