BOCA RATON, FL – It was a storybook ending for the FAU Owls as they dismantled Southern Methodist 28-52 in the 2019 Boca Bowl. The 10-3 Conference USA Champions have had a remarkable season with numerous accolades that range from leading the nation with 31 total takeaways, scoring an average of 35.2 points per game, ranking 34th in the country in yards per game, among many other achievements. However, it seemed as if there was a great deal of trouble in paradise after the departure of Head Coach Lane Kiffin. Along with the announcement of many key players who were going to be absent for the Cheribundi Boca Bowl, the odds were not in favor of the South Florida team as they faced a dangerous SMU. Nonetheless, tonight the FAU Owls were quick to remind SMU and the nation that they were not going to be belittled as they put on a brutal beating in Boca Raton.
Both teams, known for their explosive offensive talent, had a very slow start to the afternoon. For the first 12 minutes of the 1st quarter, both teams exchanged defensive efforts and special teams were frequently rotating shifts. It wasn’t until the last few minutes of the first quarter that Florida Atlantic settled in and Redshirt junior BJ Emmons rushed 1 yard to kick start the Owl’s success.
Shane Buchele and the SMU Mustangs retaliated back at the start of the 2nd quarter, and within a minute running back Xavier Jones found the endzone for the Mustang’s first touchdown. SMU would put up 3 more scores but despite their efforts, FAU came prepared to defend their paradise despite the adversity that seemed to face them.
“We did that through preparation beginning from last year,” Quarterback Chris Robison said. “We knew that we didn’t want it to end again like that and from that time we have been working really hard to have a strong mindset, especially when it comes to adversity. Although this might have been a big one in the eyes of a lot of people, we didn’t really think it was anything and that’s why we didn’t let it affect us”
The FAU quarterback continued his highlighted year and went 27-37 on attempts, threw for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Boca Bowl Offensive MVP recorded himself in the history books tonight with the single-season record for passing yards.
FAU finished the season with a record of 11-3, tying for the best record in program history, and extending their bowl game record to 4-0. Interim Head Coach Glenn Spencer was elated and forthcoming about what this team means to him.
“This is one of those feel-good things that the game of football brings out every now and then, of emotions. It’s all about relationships and I was telling those guys in there that no matter what happens tomorrow they’ve got a friend for life.”
Spencer labeled this 2019 team as the greatest team that FAU has ever had. Now on a 7 game winning streak and undefeated bowl record the future appears bright for the Florida Atlantic Football team who will begin the spring season under new head coach, Willie Taggert.
Written by Merrissa Vault
