BOCA RATON – In a week where much of the nation is questioning wisdom of the two-party political system, FAU seems to have concluded that the two-quarterback system offers the Owls their best chance to win.
Daniel Parr will once again play on Saturday.
So will Jason Driskel.
If the Owls find either Parr or Driskel has the hot hand, that player will continue to play.
It’s the exact situation coach Charlie Partridge and offensive coordinator Travis Trickett wanted to avoid in fall camp, but based on Saturday’s victory over Rice – a win that snapped a 7-game losing streak – it may be what’s best for Florida Atlantic.
“At this point, I think that is what helped us win Saturday,” Partridge said. “Daniel earned the opportunity to start [against Rice] through the course of the week, started, and Jason was going to be in the third series. I don’t know how it’s going to go this week. We’ll see during the course of the week in practice.”
A redshirt sophomore, Driskel started the first eight games of the season before Parr, a redshirt freshman, got that nod at Rice.
FAU won that game, it’s second victory of the season, but it wasn’t because Parr invigorated a struggling offense. Quite the opposite.
Partridge followed the same plan he used the three prior weeks, giving the backup quarterback the third series of the game.
Driskel, now the backup, entered the Rice game with FAU trailing 7-0 and promptly piloted Florida Atlantic on consecutive touchdown drives. He remained behind center for the remainder of the afternoon.
“Jason came in, he played well, he played one of his better games,” Partridge said. “I think we’ll just take it week by week. That’s kind of where we are right now.”
Parr completed one of his three passes for four yards on Saturday. He also rushed twice for 16 yards.
Partridge said Driskel would have played on that third series regardless of Parr’s performance.
“If Daniel had come out hot series one and two, we would have definitely put Driskel in there, but where we would have gone series four really would have depended on where we were at that point,” Partridge said.
Driskel, meanwhile, threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns. That performance is in the past. It does not guarantee that Driskel reclaimed his starting role.
Partridge won’t decide whether Driskel or Parr gets Saturday’s start against Texas-El Paso until later this week.
“The guy who has the best week at practice this week will get the nod,” Partridge said.
The Season is over. See what you have in Parr. I can’t believe Parr earned the start last week but only was given 7 plays. I thought he had to be injured. How do you give a kid his first start of his career and play him for 7 plays? That is just stupid. I will say what I have been saying since week 4. CLEAN HOUSE. Also I read a comment from another reader and I completely agree, Parr may transfer. I would if I were him. He has not been given the chance to show what he can do. I was beyond excited he chose FAU but we have not given him a chance. Maybe they will fire trickett and save Parr. I don’t know, what I do know is Rice was terrible and that other reader is right, Parr could transfer.
I don’t know, Bob. I kind of like the idea of the coaches trying to win the game. Driskel was clearly doing that. Seemed like a no-brainer to leave Driskel in there.
I would believe you have most likely watched as much FAU football as myself this season. Parr has been giving the 3rd series in the past and if he led them to a TD drive he still did not get to return into the game like Driskel. Listen, I am glad they won and Driskel lit it up, but we all know what he is capable of. Giving Parr the start and 7 plays tells you nothing about him. Quarterbacks need to get into the game. I want to know as a fan and follower of FAU Football what they have for the future. The coaching staff should too if they feel so secure with their jobs. I saw Parr play some in High school. I never saw a better pocket passer in High School. I am still floored he is on FAU with what I saw, and offers he received. He looked like Tom Brady out there. Driskel has thrown 6 TDs all season and won 2 games. How do you not give a guy with all the talent Parr has a CHANCE when your team has won 1 or 2 games all season and thrown only 4 now 6 TD passes? IT MAKES NO SENSE. Let alone how they are handling Parr. Tell the kid he is getting his first career start and benching him after 7 plays. As I said before if I were him I would be out the door!