FAU looks to stay unbeaten in C-USA at Charlotte,
Win vs. 49ers would give FAU unbeaten conference mark.
BOCA RATON — Having already clinched bowl eligibility and home-field advantage in the Conference USA title game, Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin could look at today’s season finale as an afterthought.
But even as the Owls (8-3, 7-0) prepare to close out their season at Charlotte (1-10, 1-6), Kiffin and his players are approaching things normally.
“There’s something special to saying, ‘OK, we finished conference play undefeated,’” Kiffin said. “We beat everybody. (Charlotte) is a divisional team you’re going to play every year that you want to ... send a message (to).”
FAU has never gone undefeated in conference play, either in the Sun Belt (200412) or C-USA (2013-present), but the Owls will have an opportunity to do so against the worst team in their division. Kiffin has already said he will not rest his starters or change the game plan despite having all potential playoff outcomes clinched.
Here are five ways the Owls earn a win over the 49ers and enter the Conference USA title game riding an eightgame winning streak.
1. Don’t underestimate Charlotte
Charlotte sports an unimpressive 1-10 record, but its offense — averaging only 14.4 points per game — has put up 21 points each of the last two weeks. With the exception of a Sept. 23 loss to Buffalo, FAU has largely avoided playing down to the level of its opponents — a key reason the Owls lost last season’s matchup with the 49ers — and should do the same Saturday.
“They’re kind of aggressive,” running back Devin Singletary said of Charlotte. “They’ll try to make a few plays, they’ve got a few decent players on defense.”
2. Keep throwing to Kalib Woods
DeAndre McNeal began the season as Daniel Parr’s go-to receiving target, but he has fallen out of favor since Jason Driskel reclaimed the starting job. After returning from suspension last month (legal issues), Woods has 12 catches for 327 yards and three scores in his last three games, enough to make him the team’s third-leading receiver yardage-wise.
3. Take advantage of Charlotte injuries
In the finale to a forgettable 49ers season, coach Brad Lambert will be missing some of his key players. Per the Charlotte Observer, defensive end and dangerous pass rusher Zach Duncan (concussion) is expected to miss today’s game, while safety Ben DeLuca (concussion) and cornerback Denzel Irvin (hand) are likely to play. If either of the two defensive backs appear to be struggling, FAU will need to take advantage.
4. Contain Hasaan Klugh
After struggling against dual-threat quarterbacks in the past and allowing Navy’s Zach Abey to run for 235 yards in the season opener, FAU has kept opposing signal callers in check during its seven-game winning streak. Klugh, who has 513 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground (4.1 yards per rush), will look to bust through an impressive Owls defense.
“He runs around a lot, so we’ve got to keep him in the pocket,” said linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who is 20 tackles away from setting a program record. “He can make some good throws at times.”
5. Players to watch
Dustin Bowens, TE: A redshirt senior with just one catch over four seasons, Bowens saw increased playing time against FIU with John Raine out and Harrison Bryant in a boot on the sidelines. If Bryant is limited or out against the 49ers, Bowens could expand on that career reception total.
Rashad Smith, LB: Smith channeled his inner Trey Hendrickson last week for the Owls, recording three sacks against FIU. In the midst of a hot streak, Smith could be in for another big game.
Dasean Cannon, CB: With FAU’s secondary banged up in recent weeks, Cannon — a junior who walked on before the season — has risen up the depth chart. If a cornerback is injured or needs a rest, Cannon will be the one filling in.