FAU running back Alfred Morris rushed for 103 yards vs. UAB on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Ralph Notaro/ NDM Images)
Slow start, fast finish
We hand out grades and game balls after FAU’s thrilling 32-31 victory vs. UAB Thursday in the season opener.
Originally published on
9/3/2010
by
Marcus Nelson
Following Florida Atlantic’s season 32-31 victory at UAB on Thursday, the Owls are off to a good start.
In the victory vs. the Blazers, however, FAU didn’t exactly come roaring out of the gate.
The Owls trailed 14-0 after the first quarter, but were able to rally vs. the Blazers by making necessary adjustments
Offensively FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp rolled out more to get more time.
“We ran a little bit more ‘quick game’,” said Van Camp, who was 14-of-24 for 254 yards and three touchdowns. “I was trying to get out of the pocket more and then we were able to just run our offense.”
On defense, the biggest adjustment was shifting its focus to stop UAB quarterback David Isabelle, who was making his first start and ran more than the Owls expected.
“They didn’t do a lot to us but there were three big plays by (Isabelle),” FAU linebacker Michael Lockley said. “My hat’s off to him. He’s a great runner. He didn’t beat us with his arm, he beat us with his legs. On QB draws when we weren’t expecting him to run, he made people miss.”
Grading Out The Owls: What we saw from each unit
Offensive line: We are grading on a curve here. What could you expect from five players making their first starts? The biggest positive is that after struggling early, the line regrouped and was able to get Jeff Van Camp more time as the game wore on. There’s a long way to go for these guys, but the way they progressed throughout the game showed there is potential: Grade: B
Running backs: Alfred Morris was supposed to have help this season, but he was the only player who got more than three carries. He went over the 100-yard mark again and let’s face it, it isn’t easy to run while the offensive line is going through its on-the-job training. Grade: B+
Wide receivers/tight ends: I’m more surprised that more players weren’t involved here. The good: Lester Jean had a career game with nine catches for 164 yards and 2 TDs. The bad: He was the only receiver with a reception. I’m thinking Jean won’t be covered 1-on-1 as much next week vs. Michigan State. Grade: B
Quarterbacks: Senior Jeff Van Camp was in a tough situation and was getting pressured early. But he kept his poise, made a few adjustments and put on a gutsy performance, throwing for three touchdowns. Grade: A-
Defensive line: There were some strong points, especially the play of defensive tackle Jarvis Givens, anytime you give up a 345 yards rushing there needs to be some improvement. Grade: C
Linebackers: The Owls were noticeably more aggressive at this position, but also have to shoulder some of the blame of the UAB quarterback David Isabelle, who rushed for 214 yards, getting loose into the secondary. Grade: C+
Secondary: Keith Reaser had his first career start and played well, safetys Marcus Bartels was solid as always and Ed Alexander made some big plays. The biggest play of the game for the defense was Brentley Harstad’s interception return for a touchdown. Grade: A-
Special Teams: FAU blocked a field goal to win the game, but had a PAT blocked, which could have been huge in the outcome. P Mickey Groody did what he was supposed to do with a few boomers and pinned UAB next to the goal line late in the game. Punt returns and kickoff returns could use some work. Grade: C+