Florida Atlantic (3-6, 3-2 Sun Belt) at Troy (7-3, 6-0)
Saturday, 4:15 p.m. TV: CSS
Movie Gallery Stadium, Troy, Ala.
Troy as they might
FAU-TROY PREVIEW: FAU wants to treat Saturday’s game vs. the Trojans like it was just another game. But facing the top program in the Sun Belt Conference is anything but a typical game for the Owls
Originally published on 11/20/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
Owls Eye View: Watch players, coaches breakdown FAU-Troy
> Predictions: We tell you who will win the game
BOCA RATON - FAU has been playing the last few weeks as if each game is the most important as the
Owls try to qualify for a bowl game.
As much as the Owls don’t want to place extra importance on Saturday’s game at Troy, FAU is finding all games aren’t created equal.
When the Owls face the Trojans, they will be playing a team that has won a share of the Sun Belt Conference for the last three years.
“I am very impressed with the totality of their team, their coaching and their continuity over a long period of time,” said FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger. “All of us in the conference are trying to emulate their formula for success.”
Not only are the Trojans, the Sun Belt’s marquee program, Troy is also the top team in the league again this season.
“It’s special that we get to play this game,” said defensive back Tavious Polo. “It seems like they are always on top of the conference. I think it’s the top two teams in the conference and there will be some helmets flying, some trash talking and some blood and tears.”
But the Owls aren’t too far behind. FAU is the only team other than Troy to go to the New Orleans Bowl since 2006.
And the Owls earned that right in 2007 by defeating the Trojans at Movie Gallery Stadium.
While the Owls are fighting for their bowl-eligible lives, Troy is not only already eligible for a bowl, but a victory vs. FAU will put the Trojans back in another New Orleans Bowl.
“If we win the game we seal our fate,’ said Troy coach Larry Blakeney. “We know that they know that. And they are good enough to beat us.”
Florida Atlantic (3-6, 3-2 Sun Belt Conference)
at Troy (7-3, 4-0)
Key matchups
FAU defensive end Kevin Cyrille vs. Troy quarterback Levi Brown
Cyrille played his best game of his FAU career last week vs. Arkansas State and if he can put pressure on Brown, it could take the potent Trojans offense out of its rhythm.
FAU tight end Jason Harmon vs. Troy linebacker Bear Woods
Tight ends coach Joe Corozza said Harmon had the best game of his career last week vs. Arkansas State, but Harmon may need an even better game to be a factor vs. the Trojans’ who have perhaps the best linebacking corps in the Sun Belt, led by Woods.
FAU cornerback Tavious Polo vs. Troy receiver Jerel Jernigan
The Owls haven’t had an interception since they defeated ULL, but if Polo can pick off a pass or at least make life rough on Jernigan, the Owls defense may be able to disrupt Troy’s passing game.
Stat downloads
9 – consecutive Sun Belt games won by Troy
457.8 – yards per game by the Troy offense, the No. 7 offense in the nation.
40 – Rushing yards FAU running back Alfred Morris needs to break the school record of 1,014 held by Charles Pierre last season.