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BOCA RATON – FAU is back in control of its Conference USA destiny after beating UTSA and Charlotte knocked of Marshall. If FAU can beat Southern Mississippi on Saturday the Owls will host their second C-USA championship game in three years.
Should FAU host, the Owls will play either UAB or La. Tech, two teams that weren’t on Florida Atlantic’s regular-season schedule.
UAB wins the West Division with a win over North Texas on Saturday combined with an FAU win. La. Tech needs UNT to beat UAB and FAU to win to face the Owls in the title game.
Even with a loss FAU can still reach the C-USA championship game with a loss by Marshall, and there are scenarios where FAU can still host the championship game even with a loss.
There is even a scenario where FAU and Southern Miss could meet two weekends in a row.
First Look: FAU vs Southern Miss
FAU looks to face it’s toughest passing opponent in conference play in the Golden Eagles, led by C-USA passing leader Jack Abraham – the only C-USA passer with more than 3,000 yards. Abraham left Saturday’s loss to Western Kentucky with an apparent knee injury. His status for Saturday is uncertain.
Explosive receiver Quez Watkins has 52 receptions for 1,011 yards and five touchdowns, with four games over 100 yards receiving. FAU’s secondary has had a knack for collecting turnovers as they have 15 interceptions on the season tying them for second in the nation.
If Abraham and the USM passing attack can not be stopped, FAU will need to fire back. The Owls average over 440 yards a game and 30 points a game. FAU will try to expose the USM secondary, which has allowed four 300-yard passing performances, including a 504 yard game against Troy.
With the Owls getting running back B.J. Emmons from injury, the team now has depth again at the running back position. The health of Malcolm Davidson is once again a concern. He didn’t play the second half of the victory over UTSA and was on crutches following the game. Southern Miss only allows 108 yards on the ground per game.
Week 14 Non-FAU C-USA Game of the Week:
UAB will head to Denton, TX to take on the Mean Green in a late afternoon showdown. If UAB can pull off the win, and FAU defeats Southern Miss, the Blazers will represent the C-USA West in the championship game. UNT quarterback Mason Fine leads Conference USA in passing scores with 27 on the season. UAB only allows 169 yards passing a game.
C-USA Bowl Eligibility Report
Bowl Eligible Teams:
FAU (8-3)
Louisiana Tech (8-3)
UAB (8-3)
Marshall (7-4)
Southern Miss (7-4)
Western Kentucky (7-4)
Charlotte (6-5)
FIU (6-5)
On The Cusp:
None
None
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