Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
FAU vs. Louisiana Tech
When/where: 6:30 p.m., FAU Stadium, Boca Raton TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: ESPN West Palm 106.3 FM
Weather: 84 degrees, 20 percent chance of rain.
Online: Coverage at SunSentinel.com/fau;@DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Quick slant: The Owls bring in a 10-game, homewin streak to face a tough Louisiana Tech team. With Conference USA title hopes now slim to none, Friday night’s outcome could go a long way in determining bowl eligibility at the end of the season for FAU. About FAU (3-4, 1-2 CUSA): Redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Robison left the 31-7 loss at Marshall early with a left ankle injury. He participated in practice this week, but if he can’t go, either De’Andre Johnson or Rafe Peavey will start. Robison has been much sharper at home than on the road. About Louisiana Tech
(5-2, 3-1): A solid team all
around, the Bulldogs come into Boca Raton on a short week. One loss came to C-USA-leading UAB, and in the other, they played LSU tough in Baton Rouge. La. Tech has the nation’s sack leader in Jaylon Ferguson (9.5).
THREE THINGS TO WATCH:
1. Who is the starting QB for FAU? Obviously, this will be answered right away, but is Robison’s ailing ankle too much to overcome and play or does he try to play through it? De’Andre Johnson and Rafe Peavey supporters may get their wish if not.
2. The Owls’ defense actually provided an encouraging effort in the Marshall loss where most of the Thundering Herd’s points came on a short field. This unit is rallying together without senior LB Azeez Al-Shaair and looks to keep it going. 3. FAU may need to send
extra help to block Ferguson. If the Owls can get the running game to bounce back, that can help keep an elite pass rusher honest.