FAU dropped its Conference USA opener and fell to 1-4 on the season with a 33-31 loss to FIU – a team that had arguably been the worst in the FBS prior to Saturday.
The Owls led early, thanks to a career-long 68-yard touchdown run from Buddy Howell on the game’s second play from scrimmage. They led by three at halftime after scoring 10 points in the final 1:38 of the half. They even led by a point entering the fourth quarter following Devin Singletary’s first career touchdown run.
FAU’s offense ran only eight plays in a fourth quarter that saw FIU take the lead on a field goal, then play keep-away for the final 6:02 of the game. The Owls did not pick up a first down over the final 15 minutes.
Afterward FAU coach Charlie Partridge answered questions from the media following the second Shula Bowl loss in his three-year career.
So, is there any reader out there who thinks Patridge, Trickett, & Bellantino should still be coaching this team? It’s time to send the 3 of them packing. The incompetent coaching is robbing players of their college playing time. Consider Partridge’s response to the question who is the best back on the team (Howell) and if he is the best why wasn’t he in there at the end of 4th quarter. Poor decision making. If as a head coach and OC you really want to win, you put your best players in the game at the most critical time. Don’t even get me started on the QB decision making. Some bogus bias is being used by Trickett & Partridge for not considering a change at QB.