Kiffin hopes fans see 11-3 season was no fluke
Questions about QBs, offensive line among issues in spring game.
BOCA RATON — After his team played so well at home last season, one might think Owls head coach Lane Kiffin is expecting a packed crowd and a fun atmosphere for today’s 4 p.m. spring game.
Kiffin learned last year that the spring game in Boca Raton isn’t what it is in Tuscaloosa or Pasadena. If anything, the second-year Owls coach just wants fans to see that last year’s 11-3 record and Conference USA championship wasn’t a fluke.
“I would hope (the fans) see exciting plays and we play fast like we always do, and make a bunch of plays on defense,” Kiffin said.
FAU’s second spring game under Kiffin will have shades of his first, as quarterbacks De’Andre Johnson and Chris Robison will compete for the starting role behind a rebuilding offensive line that is still trying to find its footing. All-American running back Devin Singletary (American Heritage) has been ruled out for the first half, which will feature tackles and contact, and is questionable for the second half with a hamstring injury.
Johnson will lead the white team, which features the firstteam offense and the second-team defense, against Robison’s second-team offense and first-team defense representing the red
team. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is coaching the white team and running backs coach Kevin Smith is leading the red team. Players from the third and fourthteams were drafted by both rosters.
Here are some things to keep an eye on today:
1. How will the quarterbacks play?
All eyes are rightfully going to be on Johnson’s play with the first team and what Robison can do with the second-stringers. Kiffin’s acknowledgment that the battle will almost cer- tainly continue into summer camp may take some of the pressure off both quarterbacks, though each needs to finish spring camp strong if he wants to keep the competition close.
Johnson would benefit from continuing to make plays with his legs or throw- ing the ball out of bounds rather than attempting to force something, an ugly trend of his that stood out in last year’s fall camp. Rob- ison has been described as a gunslinger by Kiffin for how much emphasis he puts on his throws, but today may be when Robison hones in more on the little things.
2. How truly strong is the second-team defense?
Even though it may seem Robison is primed to succeed because he’s going against the second-team defense, fans may be surprised to see how dominant that unit is at times. Defensive ends Ernest Bagner and Tim Bonner both have been among the more productive players in camp and new defensive tackle Charles Cameron (Copi- ah-Lincoln C.C., Miss.) has proven to be a force in the trenches. The white team’s defense also features Zyon Gilbert, James Pierre, and Korel Smith, three defensive backs who can make Robison’s day difficult.
3. Can local products continue strong springs?
Dwyer graduates Gerald Hearns and Dante Cous- art have each risen up the depth chart this spring, with Singletary’s injury meaning that Hearns will start at running back for the first-team offense. A former walk-on, Cousart will start on the red team and figures to have plenty of balls thrown his way after developing a rapport with Robison. Kerrith Whyte (Seminole Ridge) could start at running back for the red team if he’s healthy, though he’s expected to be a gametime decision with an undisclosed injury.
4. Is the offensive line ready to play?
FAU’s offensive line is not where it needs to be, though making sure the quarterbacks are upright and no additional injuries happen to running backs will be a must. Will Tuihalamaka replaced Nick Weber as the team’s starting right guard on Thursday and will play with the firstteam offense. Center Tarrick Thomas has struggled with snaps throughout camp and needs to make sure Johnson receives every ball sent his way.
Rising senior left tackle Reggie Bain is confident in the offensive line’s recent progress. “We’re improving, we’re bringing more and more juice every day,” Bain said. “I’m getting better as a leader … Everyone else (is) following through.”