Owls opening C-USA play in Shula Bowl
After three straight losses, FAU faces rival FIU in Miami.
Football rivalries can make or break a season, and for the Florida Atlantic Owls, tonight’s battle against Florida International has even greater significance.
It’s also about putting an end to a three-game losing streak. A win today over rival FIU in the annual Shula Bowl would also mean a victory to open Conference USA play.
The Owls (1-3) have shown flashes of talent but turnovers have killed long drives and numerous scoring chances.
FI U ( 0 - 4 ) , meanwhile, opened with home losses to Big Ten teams Indiana (34-13) and Maryland (41-14) before losing at UMass (2113) and at home last week to UCF (53-14).
After being routed by the Knights, FIU shook things up by firing coach Ron Turner, who was 10-30 in four years at FIU. Defensive coordinator Ron Cooper was named interim head coach this week and given the task of salvaging the season.
Today is the 15th meeting between FAU and FIU, with the Owls having won 10 times.
Last season, the Owls were 31-17 winners at home, but Owls coach Charlie Partridge is focused on today.
“It’s a rivalry game, a trophy game,” Partridge said.
“Records go out the window. None of that matters in a game like this. Conference play speaks for itself. This is a big one for us and our program.
“The rivalry means a lot t o p l aye r s , c o a c h e s a n d everyone in the program. These two schools are close together. Many of us know each other.”
For FAU’s coaches, consistency on both sides of the ball remains the goal.
“We need to get better across the board. More consistent in our technique and responsibilities and getting heat on the quarterback.” defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said.
“I sense a quiet determination. They’re focused. They know what they need to do and find a way to get it done.”
Quarterback Jason Driskel s ays exe c u t i o n i s ke y t o winning today and turning around the Owls’ season.
“We’ r e 1 - 3, wi t h e i g h t games left. Our goal now is to win the conference championship. It comes down to execution, regardless who we play, and stay with our game plan,” Driskel said.