Posts from October 2010

FORT LAUDERDALE - These few weeks haven't been easy around the Oxley Center, which probably made Saturday's victory over FIU a little sweeter.

FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger took a little extra time to savor the win. He was one of the last people to leave the field at Lockhart Stadium following the Owls' 21-9 win. The video shows Schnellenberger stopping on the way to the locker room to thank the students for their support. The students responded with unadulterated support for their coach.

As he walked to the locker room, the students serenaded Schnellenberger with chants of “We Love Howard.”

This season hasn't gone anywhere near the way Schnellenberger would have liked. In some ways, he's a victim of his success. He spoiled Owl fans with a couple of early bowl victories. Now the Owls have hit a tough spot and some of the very fans who basked in the glow of those bowl games have turned on him – calling for Schnellenberger to be fired.

Shame on those fans. And congratulations to the student body for having the good sense to embrace the coach who made all this happen.

Schnellenberger has developed a unique bond with the FAU student body. You usually hear about young coaches being able to relate to the players and students. Schnellenberger probably had that skill 50 years ago and he certainly hasn't lost it.

At other universities it wouldn't matter how much the student body likes a coach. In big time college football it's the boosters who control the fate of coaches. That's not the case at FAU, however, where Schnellenberger has built the program largely without the help of the athletic program securing big-dollar boosters.

In fact, after donating $1 million to the stadium fund the biggest booster over the last couple of years has probably been the student body itself.

It was only right to see the students and Schnellenberger celebrating together. Those two pillars provide the stability of the FAU football program

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans.

We know you wanted the most complete coverage of the Shula Bowl, so on FAUOwlAccess.com our coverage included video and photos to go along with our recap and analysis. See it all here.

Other linkage:

Here's are some other game stories: Palm Beach Post / Sun-Sentinel / Miami Herald

They can change the location of the Shula Bowl and they can even change the time of season the game is played.

The result is still the same. FAU owns FIU and as a result owns the Shula Trophy for another season.

It’s high time we retire the rivalry talk when it comes to the Owls and the Golden Panthers.

What has FIU done to warrant being FAU’s rival?

The Owls own a slight 8-1 series lead vs. FIU and the lone FIU victory was wiped out due to NCAA sanctions.

This is some serious domination we are talking here – and it continues for at least another year.

I admit I was a slow convert to grasping the “Shula Bowl” and the winner of the game getting the Don Shula Trophy.

It started the first time the school’s played each other in 2002 and because FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger coached under Don Shula and then-FIU coach Don Strock played under Shula.

I thought it was too contrived, since it was created essentially the week before the game.

But over time, I have gotten used to it. Maybe because I see that trophy in the Oxley Center Founder’s Lounge a few times a week. Heck, during football season I see it more than I see my family.

And, I have to say, it’s a cool trophy with half of an FAU helmet on one side and half of an FIU helmet on the other. But for every year but one, it’s the FAU side everyone has seen as it sits against a wall. I literally think there is a slight difference in the brightness of the wood because the Golden Panthers side of the trophy spends so much time shoved up against a wall.

Today might be the day the sun-bleached wood on the FAU side gets a break and will be shoved up against a wall at the FIU football building. We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure. The prospects of possibly losing the trophy had made FAU coaches, players want to keep in its usual home more than what I have seen in the past.

I wonder if the prospects of losing the trophy will fire up the Owls enough to win the game?

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

At FAUOwlAccess.com we posted our preview and keys to the game. Also check out our video breakdown of the game. You can see it all by clicking here.

Other linkage…

Other game previews: The Palm Beach Post / Sun-Sentinel / Miami Herald

I saw this late last week, but it still holds water today primarily because it shows the respect FIU is getting around the Sun Belt Conference.

In a poll of eight of the newspaper beat writers for a Sun Belt Conference midseason report, six of them said FIU was the biggest surprise of the season and three predicted the Golden Panthers would make it to a bowl for the first time in school history.

I’m impressed with the improvement of FIU, but since when did defeating Western Kentucky and North Texas call for a bowl reservations?

Mario Cristobal also landed three votes for Coach of the Year. Again, I have no problem with that, but I think I’ll just wait and see how FIU does after it faces the Mean Green and the Hilltoppers.

Here is the complete report from the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal.

Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

At FAUOwlAccess.com we posted this week’s edition of Owl Talk with Brian Rowitz and also had a story about Owls WR Avery Holley, who has a brother on the FIU football team,

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel looks at the former St. Thomas star who leads FIU's offense
The Miami Herald reports that the FIU linebackers will face a test this weekend

Mh

I received a few texts on Saturday after FAU’s 37-16 loss to Arkansas State that Dave Lamont, FAU’s play-by-play announcer for the game, was a tad uh, … enthusiastic about a call late in the game.

Because I was at the game covering it for FAUOwlAccess.com, I didn’t hear it on the radio. Also when it happened, I was down on the field so I was not in the press box to hear it through the paper-thin walls of ASU’s press box.

But I heard the clip on after the game was archived – as every game is – on FAU’s official web site, FAUSports.com, the next day.

OK, so he thought there should have been a flag. Probably should have been.

But after hearing it I had a feeling if it got out, it would be one of those viral sensations on the internet.

On Wednesday, that’s exactly what happened after the college football humor site Every Day Should be Saturday got their hands on the clip – likely from FAU’s own web site – and put it with Norman Beale’s famous “I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it any more” scene from the movie Network.

The clip was linked to by such national sites as
SportsIllustrated.com
Deadspin
Yahoo Sports!
NBC Sports and countless others…

Within hours, it spread through the internet like wildfire. Less than 24 hours after the clip was put on You Tube, it had been viewed 37,000 times. And counting.

That's not quite as many as our "Rain Delay Theater" but still impressive.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans
The Owls went through their Wednesday practice and we were the only media outlet there. Check out our story on how FAU is preparing for FIU’s defense and get the latest update on tight end Rob Housler who was held out of most of the workout

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel says the Owls are blowing late leads
The Miami Herald reports on the respect between FAU and FIU

FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger won’t be coaching as much in 2011.

That’s right, apparently Schnellenberger won’t be coaching in the Texas vs. The Nation game in 2011. Jerry Glanville will lead the Nation team.

Schnellenberger coached The Nation the last two games.

That news is not all bad.

The game is undergoing some restructuring and is moving to San Antonio this year and is under different ownership, apparently changing the name of the game. It will simply be known as "The Game." How clever.

And recently, Schnellenberger announced a Florida vs. the Nation game will be played in the Owls’ new on-campus stadium when it is completed.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com had the most recent edition of The Howard Schnellenberger Show available for our Owl Access Pass holders and those who sign up for a Free Trial of FAUOwlAccess.com.

We also covered Tuesday’s practice and had a update on the progress of true freshman defensive end Cory Henry.

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel says the FAU defense is improving
The Miami Herald says FIU isn't forcing turnovers

Another sign that hoops season is around the corner is that the Sun Belt Conference is holding its Media Days beginning today and concluding Wednesday.

To tip-off the festivities the Sun Belt released its All-Sun Belt teams and pre-season coaches polls.

In a sign of the progress of this program under coach Mike Jarvis the Owls were picked second in the Sun Belt Conference East Division behind only Western Kentucky, even landing one first-place vote.

FAU guards Ray Taylor (pictured) and Greg Gantt landed on the All-Sun Belt second team. Forward Brett Royster was named to the third team.

Here is the complete release from the Sun Belt...

2010-11 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team

First Team
George Odufuwa (North Texas, Sr., F)
Josh White (North Texas, Sr., G)
Tim Williams (South Alabama, Sr., G)
Sergio Kerusch (WKU, Sr., F)
Steffphon Pettigrew (WKU, Sr., F)

Second Team
Martavius Adams (Arkansas State, Jr., F/C)
Donald Boone (Arkansas State, Sr., G)
Greg Gantt (Florida Atlantic, So., G)
Raymond Taylor (Florida Atlantic, So., G)
Tristan Thompson (North Texas, Sr., G)

Third Team
Solomon Bozeman (UALR, Sr., G)
Brett Royster (Florida Atlantic, Sr., F)
Marvin Roberts (FIU, Sr., G/F)
Randell Daigle (Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr., G)
James Washington (Middle Tennessee, Sr., G)

Preseason Player of the Year: Sergio Kerusch (WKU, Sr., F)

Preseason Sun Belt Conference Men's Basketball Poll
West Division Points
1. North Texas 72 (12)
2. Arkansas State 55
3. Denver 51
4. Louisiana-Lafayette 36
5. UALR 26
6. Louisiana-Monroe 12

East Division Points
1. WKU 71 (11)
2. Florida Atlantic 53 (1)
3. South Alabama 47
4. Middle Tennessee 42
5. FIU 22
6. Troy 17

As voted on by the Sun Belt's 12 Head Coaches
First Place Votes in Parenthesis

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

We posted out 1st and 10 look at FIU and also had our grades for each position after the Arkansas State game.

Other linkage...

The Sun-Sentinel says the Owls still have plenty to play for
FIU getting players ready at center

It looks like FAU fans may not have the stadium to themselves on Saturday as has been the case in past Shula Bowls.

There may be a few Florida International fans in the house at Lockhart Stadium.

FIU is aggressively getting the word out that its students can attend the Shula Bowl for free and the rest of its fans can use FAU's Pepsi can promotion to get in for $1.

That’s right. It’s an FAU home game so of course FAU students don’t have to pay, but apparently FIU students can go gratis as well.

I’ve never heard of anything like this for a rivalry game, and I don’t remember FAU students going for free to Shula Bowl games when it was FIU’s home game - although it always seems that FAU had a strong contingent.

I guess it will be good to see some FIU fans. To be honest, judging by the pitiful numbers of fans in blue and gold at previous Shula Bowls, I didn’t know they had any. But a surprising 2-0 start in the Sun Belt with victories over North Texas and Western Kentucky must seem like a dynasty to the football fans on Calle Ocho.

Yes, FIU students have finally realized they have a football program so if FAU fans don’t want their stadium overrun by Golden Panthers supporters, they better get to the game on Saturday.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com was the only media outlet at Sunday’s practice, and filed this report as the Owls tried to put the Arkansas State game in the past.

Other linkage…

Struggling Owls face surging FIU in Shula Bowl, the Sun-Sentinel writes
Owls’ season essentially over after conference loss to ASU, according to the University Press

During the fourth quarter of FAU’s 37-16 loss at Arkansas State on Saturday, the Owls committed three turnovers that turned a close game into a laugher.

We should have seen it coming.

After all, the comedy of errors actually started late in the third quarter when the Owls faced a 3^rd and goal from the 4 and threatened to take a 20-9 lead.

Instead, the Owls committed back-to-back false start penalties and a flag for illegal procedure negating a touchdown catch by Rob Housler and a run by Jeff Van Camp where he was ruled down at the 1-yard line.

Van Camp was asked about how deflating that sequence was for the team.

“We could have been up by two touchdowns,” Van Camp said. “I don’t know how they call those, but you just play it and have to roll with the punches.”

The Owls did get a field goal out of the drive, taking a 16-9 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter on Ross Gornall’s 36-yard kick, but it was the last points of the game for FAU.

Arkansas State, as we know now, had 28 more and it was Game Over.

Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com had our team coverage from Jonesboro, Ark. complete with recap, video highlights and our breakdown of the game.

Other game coverage: Sun-Sentinel / Joneboro Sun / Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

JONESBORO, Ark. - FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger referred to the myriad of mistakes late in the Owls’ 37-16 loss to Arkansas State on Saturday as a “total collapse" in the post-game interview session.

No argument here.

That’s a perfect way to describe what transpired here in the span of about five minutes in the fourth quarter when the Red Wolves reeled off 28 consecutive points thanks mostly to offensive mistakes that put the Owls defense in a bind and on the field for most of the final quarter.

Regardless of what the scoreboard said at the end, FAU didn’t play that badly for most of the game.

But in the fourth quarter just about everything that could have gone wrong did, starting with a fluke interception on a tipped ball that Willie Floyd almost caught. Instead ASU’s Adrian Hills returned for it a TD and the floodgates opened.

By now we know the drill, FAU will begin correcting the mistakes that were made on Sunday. After what I saw in the fourth quarter, there will be plenty to work on.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver DeAndre Richardson isn’t the only player on offense who will be making his first career start today vs. Arkansas State.

Senior Ryan Houston is expected to start for the first time on Saturday at center in place of Mike Nweze, who started in the Owls’ loss at ULM.

Houston will be the third player to start at center this season for FAU. The Owls’ regular center this season, Jimmie Colley, received a head injury in FAU’s loss to USF and practiced sparingly this week.

Houston, a transfer from Division III powerhouse Mt. Union, took the majority of snaps at center this week in practice.

Nweze is expected to play, however.

Richardson will be making his first start ahead of senior receiver Avery Holley who is serving a one-game academic suspension.

Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com rolled out our game previews along with a video breakdown of the Owls’ receiving situation. Click here for the complete package.

Game Previews: Palm Beach Post / Sun-Sentinel / Jonesboro Sun / Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BOCA RATON - It was no surprise FAU defensive back Austin Jensen was at Thursday’s practice.

These days Jensen is at the Oxley a few days a week.

But the news he had was a little out of the ordinary.

After his workout was over he came over and talked a little about the game vs. Arkansas State, but he also mentioned a letter he received.

Congressman Alcee Hastings, who represents Florida’s 23^rd District (including part Palm Beach County) in the U.S. House of Representatives sent Jensen a signed picture and a letter of encouragement as he works to overcome the injuries he received in his February car accident,

“It was pretty cool,” Jensen said. “I wasn’t expecting anything like that. At first I thought it was a joke.”

In the letter Hastings told Jensen, “Your courage and determination are very impressive and an inspiration to anyone whose sports career has been delayed by an injury. You are an excellent role model for us all, especially America’s young people. ”

Jensen said he didn’t have any idea how Hastings learned of his story, but speculated it may have come from some of the media coverage of the event as FAUOwlAccess.com, The Bradenton Herald, The Palm Beach Post and WPTV-Ch. 5 (NBC) have all covered Jensen’s recovery extensively.

“I have no idea how he heard, but somehow he did,” Jensen said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting anything like that.”

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com broke the news that starting wide receiver Avery Holley will be suspended for Saturday’s game at Arkansas State.

We also posted this week’s edition of Owl Talk with Brian Rowitz, our weekly podcast.

Other linkage...

The Palm Beach Post details the running game's struggles
FAU's defense will have its hands full vs. the Red Wolves. according to the Sun-Sentinel

This just in from FAU that the season-ticket push for basketball is officially underway.

And also, a reminder that, yes, those Owl Card scanners will be in operation this season so bad news for the freeloaders. I’m sure the athletic department in general and the basketball program and particular appreciate the financial support of their endeavors.

Here’s theofficial release from FAUSports.com.

North Texas coach Todd Dodge may have been able to beat FAU this season, but that wasn’t enough to keep his job.

Reports are surfacing that Dodge has been fired at North Texas and a press conference has been scheduled for later today.

Dodge was 6-37 in his fourth season at UNT and the Mean Green was 1-6 this season, with the lone victory this season coming against the Owls.

Offensive coordinator Mike Canales becomes the interim coach for the Mean Green.

Here’s the story from Brett Vito of the Denton Record-Chronicle

OwlLinks: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com had the latest installment of The Howard Schnellenberger Show and a report on FAU’s offense and yet another player under center for the Owls at Tuesday’s practice.

Other linkage…

The Owls lack depth at receiver, The Palm Beach Post says
FAU’s OL is struggling, the Sun-Sentinel reports

Yes, I know FAU has played five games and has seven remaining, but it is the seventh week of the season coming up, so this is the time many are giving out their mid-term grades.

One of the most knowledgeable of the so-called “experts” is Phil Steele, who actually spends time analyzing the Sun Belt Conference and today released his mid-term All-Sun Belt team.

Steele singled out TE Rob Housler, WR Lester Jean and LB Michael Lockley for his mid-season All-Sun Belt team.

On the second team were RB Alfred Morris, DE Cory Henry, LB Malik Eugene, S Marcus Bartels and P Mickey Groody.

On Steele’s third-team was DT Jarvis Givens.

To check out all three of Steele’s teams, click here.

I think Bartels could make a case for being on the first team, but I love the fact that Henry is getting noticed in his limited playing time.

What do you think of these teams?

Since it was labeled as FAU Day at the Super Sundays event in partnership with the Miami Dolphins held in downtown Boca Raton, I decided to check out the festivities at Mizner Park during the Miami-Green Bay game.

I saw some loyal FAU fans decked out in the blue and red and talked to some of those I recognized.

They all had the same question?

“Where is anyone from the university?”

It took a while of searching before I finally could give an answer.

Owl Radio and Owl TV (pictured) were there. That’s right, for “FAU Day” the only group I could find was the student radio and TV station. Again, the students come through. Somebody give them a job!

But that was it that I saw - and that should be unacceptable. I’m not sure who dropped the ball here, but there was an obvious disconnect between event organizers and FAU.

That’s really a shame. There were more than 1,000 football fans congregating on the streets in downtown Boca Raton for more than four hours on Sunday. Call me crazy, but that would seem like a good time to be pushing some tickets, suites or even just educating sports fans about what FAU’s new stadium will be like. I mean, aren’t football fans THE target audience for FAU to grow its fan base.

An FAU official I talked to said the only place they heard about the event was on a blog I wrote about it last week, so I have no idea where the ball was dropped.

After Friday’s ground-breaking ceremony many thought things were going to be different around Boca Raton in terms of FAU’s visibility, but on Sunday it was the same as usual.

I really hope the city officials and FAU can work together in the future and have better results, because Sunday had no winners.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

Owls ready to start season over, the Sun-Sentinel says
The Sun-Sentinel also has this mid-season report
Jacksonville's WJXX-Ch. 25 (ABC) had a story on Titans QB Rusty Smith returning to his hometown
The GMAC Bowl has a new name - The GoDaddy.com Bowl

Spent a few minutes talking to Russell Smith, the father of former FAU QB Rusty Smith, last week and needless to say, today is a big day to the entire Smith family.

The Titans are in Jacksonville tonight to face Jacksonville on Monday Night Football and there will be plenty of people there to root on Rusty. Rusty has been listed as the third QB each week this season for the Titans since he made the opening day roster, the first FAU player to accomplish that.

As many of you know Rusty is a Jacksonville native.

That's why he is shown here in a Jags' T-Shirt before FAU's Pro Day in March. Don't worry coach Fisher, this is way before he was drafted by the Titans

Also, his family owns a restaurant in the shadow of EverBank Field and Rusty used to park cars in the lot on game days when he was younger.

Now fans will be cramming the lot to see his team play.

And don’t forget, Rusty and the Titans will be making a South Florida appearance on Nov. 14 when the Dolphins play host to Tennessee.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to Owl fans

The Owls held practice Sunday and gives our Owl Access Pass members a report including the latest on a FAU defensive starter who didn’t participate in the workout,

Other linkage…

The Jonesboro Sun looks at Arkansas State's loss at Indiana

The schedule says this is supposed to be an “off” week for Florida Atlantic.

I can attest it has been anything but, after Friday’s busy day of the ground-breaking ceremony complete with a practice following. And on Saturday there was another practice (pictured) with the Owls also hitting the practice field today.

The off-week workouts haven’t been the most intense and some regulars are seeing limited action, but that’s probably what the Owls need as they prepare for the final seven weeks of the season. It looks like some regulars are healing and that’s a good thing.

The next seven weeks aren’t going to be easy, but maybe this off week is just what the Owls need as they prepare to try and salvage this season with an important game each week.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com was the only media outlet at Saturday's practice and had this report, giving our Owl Access Pass members an update

on some offensive linemen who could be back for Saturday’s game.

FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger had the right gameplan for Friday.

A. Attend ground-breaking

B. Revel in accomplishment 13 years in the making for five minutes

C. Get back to work by holding practice

Friday’s ground-breaking ceremony for the 30,000-seat stadium was a grand event, but as much as the FAU big-wigs would like to spend the next few days patting themselves on the back, there isn’t time for that.

Like Schnellenberger saw, it’s time to get to work.

And not only on the construction of the $70 million future home of the Owls, but there needs to be effort quickly to make sure each and every one of those nice red and blue seats is full a year from now.

It may seem like a long way away, but believe me, Oct. 15 2011 will be here before you know it.

Will FAU be ready? We’ll see.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans?

FAUOwlAccess.com began the day with a look at the impact the new stadium will have on the university before heading out to the ground-breaking ceremony, posting this video and photo gallery. We finally finished our day at the night football practice, posting this report.

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel had this story on the ground-breaking
The Palm Beach Post wasn’t impressed
WPTV-Ch. 5 (NBC) had this report

BOCA RATON - Unlike so many days in this almost 13 year journey to build an on-campus home for Florida Atlantic’s football team, there were no delays and nothing was sent back to a committee for more study.

Instead, decision-makers spoke about how great it was to be associated with FAU and then stuck shovels in the ground and turned dirt. If enough of it is turned in the coming months, the Owls will be playing at home exactly one year from today.

We’ll have more to come on this day, but I thought I should share the latest renderings from FAU after the historic moment when FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger’s plan to have Football in Paradise was put in motion.

First the bonfire, then the home-opener pep rally and now Midnight Madness – if FAU isn't careful this place is really going to start feeling like a traditional college campus.

Thursday's Midnight Madness basketball pep rally actually started a few minutes later than scheduled because there were still people lined-up outside waiting to enter The Burrow.

Once inside, students students met their basketball teams – men's and women's – while being entertained by OwlRadio. OwlTV provided the content for the video screen. In fact, students put together almost the entire evening, which likely explains why they had such a good time.

The basketball players obviously enjoyed watching their fellow students compete in skills competitions. The students who weren't chosen to take part cheered loudly for those who made it to the court. And the highlight of the event – the student slam dunk contest – exceeded its billing.

The whole night is captured in the above video and the photo gallery.

Now it's time to prepare for the football stadium's groundbreaking, which will occur at 4 p.m. today.

It's probably too late to let the students plan that shin dig. Afterward, I'm sure there will be gatherings for boosters and potential donors, but you won't find me there. I'll be hanging with the students. They've figured this stuff out.

Owl Links: Stories of interest to FAU fans
Yesterday was Thursday, so that meant OwlTalk. Brian Rowitz talked with FAU Vice President for Facilities Tom Donaudy who goes over some of the amineties of the stadium, FAU basketball coach Mike Jarvis and also women's basketball coach Chancellor Dugan.

We were also the lone media outlet at Thursday's football practice. This story tells you what happened.

There was a pretty big event in downtown Boca Raton in August, when residents were urged to come support the local football team. Problem was, that team was the Miami Dolphins, a professional team that plays its games in Miami Gardens.

Well, someone has looked at a map and saw that FAU, which pumps millions into the local economy, also has a football team and next year will play in a stadium showcasing Boca Raton and all that it has to offer.

This Sunday, residents are urged to support the Dolphins and FAU at a party in downtown Boca Raton. And it's being billed as "FAU Day."

When I saw the event in August, I had to just roll my eyes. However, it’s good to see some are taking action to prepare for Saturday’s in the Fall, when there will be nearly 30,000 fans in the city, transforming Boca Raton into a college town.

It sounds like a good event and I hope FAU fans will take advantage of it. If Owl fans don't respond, perhaps it will be undestandable if Boca Raton doesn't seem to excited about FAU football in the future.

Florida Atlantic students are about to get a better view of their football team.

The student section at Lockart Stadium is moving from the west end zone to behind the visitor's sideline. The change should happen in time for the FIU game on Oct. 30.

The band is moving from the end zone, too. It will be seated in Section 118, which is in the corner where the Owls emerge from the locker room to take the field. The students will fill the section next to the band (119), putting them closer to the 50-yard line. Should that section fill, the overflow would move to the other side of the band, potentially giving the students the entire corner of the stadium.

The photo is taken from the top of Section 117.

The athletic department is working on alerting the 30 or so season ticket holders who will be affected by the move, but with more than two weeks to pull that off, there should be ample time.

“The goal is not only to have the stadium look packed, it is also to give the students a better vantage point for the game,” FAU student body president Ayden Maher said.

This move should be applauded. The students turned out in force for the home opener against North Texas. The shear number of rowdy fans had FAU Athletic Director Craig Angelos thinking about getting the students closer to the action. It was a shame to have them so far away on the final drive.

Maher, who realizes that athletics are a good way to build a sense of community within a university, has done an impressive job of making football more accessible to students. He's also played a role in creating tonight's Midnight Madness basketball pep rally. And don't forget the student's gift of $1 million that helped make Friday's football stadium ground breaking possible.

In recent weeks Howard Schnellenberger has praised the students for their support on the The Howard Schnellenberger Show, ESPN 760's FAU Sportspage radio show, and in post game interviews.

Without a deluge of private donors, the program will continue to grow only through the support of the students. Rewarding them by moving the students closer to the action is another step in the right direction.

Owl Links – Articles of interest to FAU fans
It may be the middle of football season, but FAUOwlAccess.com isn't about to neglect the other sports. That's why we posted this story about the unlikelihood of the baseball stadium upgrades happening prior to the start of the season. We also delivered our basketball pre-season camp breakdown, which included a video featuring year's leading scorer, Greg Gantt.

Other linkage -
The Sun-Sentinel offered this look at Troy.

After holding on for a narrow victory against a team late in the 2003 season, FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger was asked about the Owls’ playoff chances.

His answer ended with the phrase “The dream lives on.”

He must have liked the way that sounded because he turned it into the theme for FAU’s playoff run, complete with a slick video that has been re-done a few time since then, including this version in 2007.

After Saturday’s loss to ULM, Schnellenberger uttered the phrase “keep the faith” more than once and doing so may have stumbled on an appropriate theme for the rest of this season.

There probably won’t be any music videos to accompany this one. It’s about survival and to maintain the belief that there are better days ahead.

Those days might be this season, or maybe next, but Schnellenbereger knows how detrimental it would be to the program if supporters lost hope.

And a couple of painful losses shouldn’t be enough to give up on the program with brighter days ahead including a slew of young players waiting in the wings and the new on-campus stadium up ahead.

FAU fans have been a little spoiled by success early as the program moved to I-A, and it’s not surprising to see some question which way the program is headed.

The season is going to be a rough one, but it seems like there will be better days ahead. To me at least, there are plenty of reasons to “keep the Faith.”

Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

It’s a slow off-week, but FAUOwlAccess.com is still working hard to provide coverage of the Owls, including this week’s edition of The Howard Schnellenberger Show.

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The Sun-Sentinel says the offense has regressed this season

FAU isn’t taking any chances with the projected completing date of the on-campus football stadium creeping closer to the middle of the 2011 season.

If the stadium is ready to play host to a football game on Oct. 15 next season, as contractor Balfour Beatty has indicated, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem for the Owls to schedule their five home games in Boca Raton after that date.

If there are any delays, even as much as one week, FAU could have to find a place to play a home game - even more than one if the delay is longer.

Two possible choices are obvious: in Lockhart Stadium, where the Owls currently play, and Sun Life Stadium, where FAU has played home games before.

However, with Lockhart’s future often in doubt and the University of Miami playing at Sun Life on a few Saturdays these days, a third option has emerged, according to FAU Athletic Director Craig Angelos,

Angelos said FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia has offered the services of FIU Stadium should FAU need it.

"Worst case scenario we'd have to play at Lockhart, we have (Sun Life) Stadium there and Pete's even said we could play at FIU if we had to," Angelos said.

Obviously, this would be a last resort, but you never know what the future holds, so FAU should keep that option open.

I wonder how FAU fans would feel about playing a “home” game in the stadium that is apparently nicknamed “The Cage?”

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

At FAUOwlAccess.com we took a look at what the defense did right vs. USF and the chances the momentum can keep going this week.

Plus, in case you missed it, we reported on FAU landing a basketball commitment for 2012.

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The Palm Beach Post tell us about CB Tarvoris Hill
The Sun-Sentinel also looked at the defense
The News-Star says FAU looks to D for help

Florida Atlantic has landed a member of the 2012 basketball recruiting class as swingman Shaquille Jones verbally committed to the Owls, a source said Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-5 Jones, pictured from the New England Recruiting Report, plays for Notre Dame Prep in Richfield, Mass. where he is a junior

Here's what ESPN.com's college basketball recruiting service says about Jones.

Strengths:
A very talented swingman who is just beginning to realize his talent, Jones has a high upside if he can put all of his tools together. He has good size for the wing at six-foot-five, a long wingspan, and very good athleticism. He can make open shots from the three-point line when in rhythm as well as make some plays with the ball in his hands in the open floor. Defensively, his length makes him very effective at the top of the press while he has all the physical tools to eventually blossom into a lock down half-court defender.

Weaknesses:
Jones is incredibly raw right now and essentially getting by on talent alone. He has a very limited feel for the game and doesn't appear to have been coached yet. Everything he does is on pure instinct as he shows few signs of fundamentals with his footwork, shot preparation, or passing and catching skills in the half court. He doesn't have the handle to create his own shot against a set defender and lacks much of a feel for the game so is consequently much less effective in a half court game.

Bottom Line:
Jones has undeniable tools, both in terms of his natural basketball skills and physical gifts, and as he continues to learn the game, develop his fundamental skills, and gain more experience competing against a high level of competition he has the potential to blossom into a very good player.

FAU Athletic Director Craig Angelos found out Tuesday the on-campus football stadium may not be ready by Sept. 17, 2011 but the construction firm could have it finished by Oct. 15.

So Angelos has to call an audible when it comes to next year’s schedule – including finding an opponent that can play in the first game at the new stadium.

By a look at the calendar, Oct. 15 is the seventh week of the 2011 season. That means the Owls may have to look at playing four games on the road and having two open weeks before opening the stadium against…drumroll please – a team from the Sun Belt Conference.

As you might remember, FAU was in discussions with South Florida about the Bulls providing the opposition for the first game due to their open week on Sept. 17, but that plan is kaput.

“I called University of South Florida and let them know we were going to miss that opportunity and that it wasn't going to happen, unfortunately,” Angelos said.

Angelos said he got in contact quickly with Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters about the likely dilemma for the Owls next season.

“I talked to him and he said he would do what he could and I’m sure everyone will work in good faith,” Angelos said.

Would the Bulls be a better opponent than say, anyone in the Sun Belt (past, present or future)? Of course.

But that’s the timetable given by Balfour Beatty officials – and FAU has to live with it.

“The October time frame, even that is an aggressive one, but we are going to get that guaranteed from the contractor,” FAU Senior Vice President for Strategic Relations and General Counsel David Kian told FAUOwlAccess.com’s Chuck King on Tuesday afternoon. “You are going to see steel coming out of the ground very quickly."

And, Angelos said, it’s possible, the stadium will be ready even before the Oct. 15 date, but FAU can’t take a chance on scheduling a game to open the stadium and then have to play it at Lockhart Stadium or Sun Life Stadium.

After this project has slogged along at a snail’s pace for more than a decade, what’s a couple more weeks?

Oct. 15 it is, for now.

Construction projects are always completed on time, right?

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com is the Official Home of The Howard Schnellenberger Show and posted the latest edition of the show. We also brought you the latest on the tweaks FAU may make in the gameplan after losing two offensive linemen in the loss to USF.

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The Palm Beach Post wrote about the new opening date
The Monroe News-Star says Schnellenberger can relate to re-building job at ULM
Troy routs MTSU in battle of SBC contenders from the Dothan Eagle

Have to go slightly off topic for today’s edition, but it’s for a good reason and there is an angle that might interest FAU fans.

Tonight, the Sun Belt Conference takes center stage with a nationally televised game between its top two contenders for the league title – Middle Tennessee and Troy.

Kickoff from Murfreesboro, Tenn. is 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

The game should feature the season debut of Blue Raiders quarterback and Pre-season Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year Dwight Dasher, assuming “Double Down” Dasher doesn’t stop at any last-minute poker games before the game.

And who wouldn’t want to miss Troy continuing the “Drive for Five” as the Trojans are billing their quest for yet another Sun Belt championship this season?

I’m guessing “Drive for Four out of Five since we tied with FAU in 2007 but lost to FAU and had to watch the Owls win the New Orleans Bowl while we didn’t go to a bowl at all” was dropped by the Troy marketing department because it wouldn’t fit on a T-Shirt.

At any rate, it will be fun to watch. Just difficult for FAU fans to decide who to root for.

Troy has defeated MTSU four consecutive times. My pick is the Trojans to do it again tonight and pull off a legitimate “Drive for Five”

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

At FAUOwlAccess.com we started with our 1^st and 10 look at ULM, giving you the 10 things to know about the Warhawks. We also gave Owl Access Pass holders our grades for each unit after the loss to USF.

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Schnellenberger sees progress in defense, the Sun-Sentinel reports
The Monroe News Star looks at FAU's OL struggles

As FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger said last week, the suspension to senior cornerback Polo and defensive end Daniel Joseph and two other players was for one game after they were involved in a post-game party following the Owls’ loss to North Texas.

Heck, after the way the defense responded against USF, it’s almost disappointing the players didn’t throw another party after the loss to the Bulls.

At this point do the Owls even need Polo, the party promoter, and “Wicks” the two players who were taking RSVPs for their off-the-hook throwdown when they should have been studying the gameplan vs. the Mean Green?

Let’s look at how their replacements fared vs. USF.

Polo was replaced by redshirt freshman Keith Reaser, who had four solo tackles and one assist and by all accounts played well in his most action to date.

Then there was true freshman Cory Henry, who picked up another sack in his first career start and leads the team with two sacks this season.

Not bad for a couple of back-ups.

If I was a player and my backup had as much – or more – talent than me, I think I would stay away from the party circuit for a while.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com had this report the day after FAU’s 31-3 loss to USF with some updates on the injury front. Check it out here.

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel has a capsule look at what's up next

The Monroe News-Star looks at Warhawks WR Tavarese Maye

After Owls QB Jeff Van Camp started racking up the sacks during Saturday’s 31-3 loss to USF, it was time to go to the record book to see if any FAU quarterback was sacked as much as the seven times Van Camp was brought down.

There were a couple of times - including seven vs. these same USF Bulls in 2002 and eight times later that season vs. Youngstown State.

The common denominator between 2002 and this season, was that offensive line was also hit hard by injuries. And the offensive line – and the offense in general - took a long time to recover.

This season, the Owls have already had costly injuries up front and with Max Karrick (knee) and Jimmie Colley (head) leaving the game on Saturday, they could be looking for more replacements.

That will be something to watch this week, but something tells me the Owls, who haven’t had the same starters on the line in any two games this year, will trot out yet another combination next week at ULM.

> Owl Links: Articles of interst to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com had our team in Tampa for the game. Here’s our report featuring the video highlights.

Other linkage..

Game coverage: Palm Beach Post / Sun-Sentinel / Tampa Tribune / St. Petersburg Times

It’s hard to believe that South Florida’s football program started just four years before FAU’s did.

When you look at the two programs, the Bulls are light-years ahead.

USF, which started in 1997, has a sizable season-ticket base and is growing in revelance in the fickle Tampa area sports market.

FAU, which began in 2001, is still treading water. But that could change as soon as next season when the Owls play their first season at their on-campus stadium.

That’s what made the quest for the stadium so frustrating. As year after year ticked away, the higher-ups did study after study to see if the stadium would be a good idea.

At the same time USF was crashing the party to big-time football, including rising all the way to No. 2 in the nation - making it even harder to believe that the Bulls’ head start was just four years.

> Owl Links:Articles of interest to FAU fans

At FAUOwlAccess.com we had our game preview and a video preview. Check it out here.

Other game previews: Palm Beach Post / Sun Sentinel / Tampa Tribune / St. Petersburg Times

Florida Atlantic is doing more than playing a football game in Tampa on Saturday. Owls coaches are taking their recruiting efforts to the road Friday night and hitting the west coast of Florida hard with visits to plenty of high schools the day before FAU faces South Florida.

FAU defensive backs coach Dick Hopkins recruits the fertile Tampa area, but will have plenty of help this weekend as the Owls blanket the area with every available coach hitting the road.

The west coast of Florida has always been productive for FAU with plenty of players signing with the Owls out of Bradenton, Polk and Hillsborough counties through the years. The Owls want to make sure it gets even better.

Speaking of recruiting, FAU had about 40 high school players on unofficial visits last week including Orlando-Freedom offensive lineman Josue Joseph, who has verbally committed to the Owls, and Centennial running back Javaris Giles, who has been offered a scholarship by FAU.

We’ve updated our recruiting list with the players who came in. Owl Access Pass holders can check it out here.

> Owl Links: Articles of interest to FAU fans

FAUOwlAccess.com was the only media outlet at Thursday’s practice and filed this report on the progress of the offensive line and who did what at practice.

Other linkage…

The Sun-Sentinel looks at the 2007 game between FAU and USF
The Palm Beach Post has more on the suspension of FAU’s partying players
The St. Petersburg Times writes that football runs in family of USF Bulls linebacker Michael Lanaris

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