VS 
ODU (7-3, 5-1 C-USA)
vs. FAU (3-7, 2-4 C-USA)
- When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
- Where: Howard Schnellenberger Field
- Watch: Campus Insiders
- Radio: ESPN West Palm (106.3 FM)
- Scouting the Monarchs: ODUSports.com
Key for FAU: Protect the ball. Old Dominion forced 21 turnovers in the first 10 games while only giving the ball away six times. At plus-15, the Monarchs are tied for first in the nation in turnover margin. The 16 turnovers committed by FAU put the Owls in the middle of the pack, nationally. If FAU gives ODU a short field, it will be a long evening for the Owls.
Key for ODU: Contain FAU’s running attack. Despite all the problems FAU’s offensive line has endured this season, the Owls have suddenly found the ability to run the ball. Devin “Motor” Singletary has nearly 400 yards over the past two games alone. The ability to run the ball shortens the game for the Owls while giving the defense a chance to rest. If the Monarchs force the Owls to the air, Jason Driskel (or Daniel Parr) will have to carry the load. As well as Driskel played the last two weeks, he’s yet to show he can win a full game with his arm.
Key Match-up: FAU offensive line vs. ODU defensive line. It’s no coincidence that FAU started the same offensive line in consecutive games the last two weeks and won both of those games. But the Owls are still beat up. The ability of Roman Fernandez to play is still uncertain. Kelly Parfitt could return on Saturday, which would be a boost. ODU is second in Conference USA with 29 sacks. The Monarch’s defensive line is strong and experienced. “They defeat blocks, therefor can take more gaps than they are assigned,” FAU coach Charlie Partridge said.
TD Record: Buddy Howell needs one touchdown over the Owls’ final two games to set the FAU single season rushing touchdown mark. Last week’s two-yard score gave Howell 11 on the season, tying him with Alfred Morris. Offensive coordinator Travis Trickett said it isn’t a team emphasis to get Howell the record, but he does expect that the natural flow of the game will give Howell the opportunity to claim the top spot for himself. “If we’re in the goal line [package], third and short, yeah we feel good about Motor, obviously, but Buddy’s a 215-pound running back,” Trickett said. “There’s a reason he’s in. He has all those touchdowns because we absolutely trust him and that’s what he’s really good at, too.”
Spread the Wealth: Nate Terry’s game-winning TD catch against UTEP made him the seventh FAU player to catch a touchdown pass. No player has more than one, which Trickett agreed was “odd” this week. Terry says he’s going to end up with the most touchdown catches this season, but if he couldn’t choose himself he’d pick Kalib Woods. The number of players tied for the Owls’ TD reception lead could actually grow on Saturday. Wide receiver Kamrin Solomon, as well as running backs Howell and Singletary, have yet to catch a touchdown pass this season. And imagine the fun if FAU decides to throw a pass to defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who lines up at fullback in goal line situations.
Late Season Push: Buried deep on the depth chart during fall camp, defensive tackle Josh Kendall has become a factor along the defensive line. The redshirt sophomore has sacks in each of the past two games. “There was a different push from our interior in the pass rush the last couple weeks and Josh was a big part of that,” Partridge said.
Block Party: With three, Hendrickson remains in a three-way tie nationally for most blocked kicks, but it’s been a few weeks since Hendrickson put his hands on a field goal or extra point attempt. A major reason for the drop-off in productivity is that offensive lines are paying more attention to him. “I’ve been doing my way consistently throughout the season but the way they have been blocking me is different,” Hendrickson said. “Now it’s guys pinching grabbing and pulling. It’s a different feel totally.”
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