Defense’s star power isn’t helping much

Owls believe focus, consistency will protect late leads.

BOCA RATON — On a national level, Florida Atlantic can take pride in the accomplishments of two of its star players who are among the country’s statistical leaders.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson leads the nation in blocked kicks with three, and safety Jalen Young is third in solo tackles with 35.

That’s all well and good, b u t t h e s t r u g g l i n g Owl s (1-4) have lost four consecutive games and are allowing an average of 33 points per game.

The Owls l o o k t o t ur n their season around Sunday when they play host to Charlotte (1-4) in a noon kickoff at FAU Stadium. The game was postponed from Saturday because of Hurricane Matthew.

The last two defeats have been extremely frustrating for FAU, as Ball State (31-27) and FIU (33-31) each rallied late to overcome the Owls.

Coach Charlie Partridge said his young team must improve its late-game performance.

“It really comes down to our kids continuing to learn football,” Partridge said. “That is our job, to continue to teach football, so that we make those plays in those key moments.”

R a e k wo n Wi l l i a ms , a 5- foot-1 1 , 174- pound c ornerback from Jacksonville, believes defensive miscues come down to individual responsibility.

“I feel like everyone just has to do their job.” Williams said. “Focus on the plays that come our way and not try to do too much. Sometimes we’re not being consistent. It’s a big word we constantly use. It’s about making the play that comes our way and finishing the game.”

Williams said the Owls a r e n’ t c o n c e n t r a t i n g o n Charlotte.

“To be honest, we’re not focusing on Charlotte. We’ve got to get ourselves right first before we focus on our next opponent,” he said.

Defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said he saw good and bad from his group after watching film from the Owls’ Shula Bowl loss.

“We did some really good things, but also handed them some easy points,” he said. “We have to get off the field on third down. We’re playing too many plays.

“We just need to do better, from our best guy to our worst guy. Just do a better job. It’s about tackling, rushing the passer, covering our man. It’s about everything.”

Bellantoni expec ts the Owls to bounce back.

“No one is going to put any pressure on anyone other than ourselves,” he said. “No one wants to win more than us. I know we’ll get it turned around.”