BOCA RATON – The sample size is small, but new FAU coach Lane Kiffin is sensing a trend he’d like to stifle.
For the second time in two practices Kiffin watched as the FAU defense came out fast while an offense designed to be fast paced sputtered during the full team sessions of Tuesday’s practice.
“We’ve got to fix that,” Kiffin said. “We’d be down 21-0 at the beginning of this practice. Our offense has got to get going right away – like our defense has.”
Kiffin made similar comments following the Owls’ first full-contact spring scrimmage on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale.
FAU offensive players are spending the spring learning the jet-fueled offense coordinator Kendal Briles brought from Baylor – one predicated on rapid pace of play.
At the moment, the offense is struggling to develop the pace that makes the offense a true threat. And each early stumble serves as an ever-building speed bump the Owls have to overcome.
“That’s always been the key to stop a tempo offense is just don’t let them get started,” Kiffin said. “If you can eliminate them getting those two first downs, then they can’t really get going.”
With 10 of the Owls’ 15 spring practices now complete, Kiffin is pleased that the defense has cut back on the number of explosive plays they are allowing.
But what’s good for the defense usually isn’t a positive for the offense.
What steps can the Owls take to jumpstart their offense early in practices?
“I don’t know,” Kiffin said. “We’re going to have to sit down and talk about that and figure it out with the offensive staff because it’s only been two days of it but obviously you don’t want that to be an issue.”
FAU’s spring football practices conclude with the Owls’ April 22 spring game.
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