College football is finally back!
In Week 0, two college football teams in the State of Florida were in action; both teams flexed their muscles on the competition this past Saturday.
Florida State (FSU) destroyed Duquesne 47-7 in what can only be described as a tune-up game. FAU also played, but their matchup was a conference game against Charlotte, two teams looking to make some noise in Conference USA. After a first quarter that saw both teams trade big touchdown drives, the Owls never let off the gas and were able to steamroll Charlotte 43-13.
Florida State vs. Duquesne: Final Score – 47-7
There was so much to like about this Seminoles team this past Saturday. However, let’s not get a lot of people hyped because, at the end of the day, it is Duquesne. Spirits will be high going into the LSU game on September 4th in New Orleans. The Noles did something historic, having three different rushers each rush for over 100 yards. I don’t care who you play; that’s impressive. Treshaun Ward had 14 carries for 127 yards, averaging nine yards per carry with two touchdowns. Ward did whatever he wanted and showed off the potential of this running attack as Trey Benson and Lawerence Taofalli also eclipsed the 100-yard mark. They both averaged over seven yards per carry.
Starting quarterback Jordan Travis looked calm and collected during the whole game, just taking what the defense gave him. Travis went 11 for 15 for 207 yards. Kentron Poitier led FSU in receiving yards with 84 yards on four receptions. Johnny Wilson (51 yards), Mycah Pittman (44 yards), and Deuce Spann (40 yards) also were terrific in the passing game.
Florida Atlantic vs. Charlotte: Final Score – 43-13
There was so much hype about this game because high-octane offenses were going at it down in Boca Raton.
Charlotte quarterback Chris Reynolds didn’t disappoint, starting the game with a 50-yard strike to Grant DuBose, quickly putting up the 49ers 7-0.
After seeing a quick score from the 49ers, most FAU fans thought this would be a nail-biter of a game. However, the defense made their corrections and completely shut down the Charlotte offense.
Head Coach Willie Taggart re-tooled this defense with a slew of SEC transfers coming down to Boca. They were flying all over the field and laying big hits after big hits. It’s rare to see a team be that fast on offense and defense. If this is the fast, aggressive defense we’ll be seeing from the Owls, it might be on par with UTSA’s defense for the top of the conference.
The offense was equally as impressive. Even without star running back Johnny Ford, the running game didn’t skip a beat as Larry McCammon rushed for over 114 yards with a big-time 50-yard rushing touchdown. Whenever they needed a big play, the Owls answered the bell. Every third-down and long, N’Kosi Perry always made the correct read and made big-time throws. He finished the game with 256 yards and two touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing). Perry seemed to have this uncanny ability to always find wide receiver LahJontay Wester for a big gain. If they needed a first down and Perry was getting rushed, the ball always seemed to find Wester in the nick of time. A QB with that type of connection with a WR is rare; if you see it, you know your team has something special on offense.
FAU is going to be dangerous. Many people doubted them in Week 0, but they proved they were ready to take a big leap. I would encourage all bettors to bet them until the sports book adjusts. The Owls should notch another big win in Week 1 against Ohio.