FAU falls apart late, Tulane masters comeback
Game Report Posted: September 21, 2013 23:21
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Tulane (5-4, 3-2) comeback from behind 26-14 and two late scores by Orleans Darwa would seal the deal for Tulane to beat Florida Atlantic (3-6, 3-3).
Tulane racked up 257 yards of total offense in the second half, while FAU only had 126 yards in second half. 70 of those yards were on a late touchdown pass.
With 2:11 left in the game Orleans Darwa would find the end-zone from 9 yards out to give the Green Wave a 34-26 point lead. But the Owls fired back quickly with a 70 yard touchdown pass from Stephen Curtis to Marcus Cunningham. But they still needed a 2-pt conversion to tie it and a Tulane defender would deflect the pass.
The Owls would not recover the onside kick and two plays later Darwa found the end-zone for a second time to seal the game for Tulane.
"That what happens when you keep kicking field goals in the red-zone." Said head coach Greg Patterson. "And despite that we still had control early in this game, but our defense fell apart and the offense couldn't get anything going. When it mattered."
Nick Montana started the game off rough and despite performing better in the second half, he still didn't have the best game. He was 6 for 18, 102 yards, and 3 interceptions at halftime. He finished 13 for 31, 253 yards and 2 touchdowns.
His main target was tight end Matt Marfisi who was making big play after big play when they needed him. He caught 6 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Ryan Grant also came up big catching 3 passes for 77 yards.
The Owls were able to pick off Montana 3 times in the first half, but could not do anything in second half. Two of those picks were by D'Joun Smith
Halfback Antonio Washington had a break out game. He ran for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns with only 19 carries. He also broke off a 49 yard run in the second quarter. His touchdowns were from 4 and 3 yards out.
Washington has really come along for the Owls as of late. He has rushed for a touchdown now in four out of the last five games.
Stephen Curtis played well. He threw his only interception of the game on the team's first drive which resulted in a touchdown. But, overall he played well. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.
Marcus Cunningham made couple of big plays for Curtis. The biggest one being the 70 yard touchdown catch late in the fourth. He had 4 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Florida Atlantic will have a bye week before traveling to Mississippi to play Southern Miss. Which will be a big game for the team, as a lose would result in no chance of a bowl game.
Strong second half gives Owls win over rival FIU
Game Report Posted: September 27, 2013 01:15
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Florida Atlantic scored 24 points in the second half, and scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat FIU for the ninth time in series rivlary.
Damian Fortner was a big part for the win. He averaged 9.1 yards a carry, having 110 yards, and two touchdowns from 3 and 4 yards out. He also broke off two 20+ yard runs.
"I'm extremely proud of our guys, we might have started the season off not the best. But we finished it strong and won the most important game on our schedule." Said head coach Greg Patterson after the game.
Jonathan Wallace also a nice day on the ground. Rushing for 77 yards off 16 carries.
Both teams had almost identical stats. FIU (3-9, 2-6 Conference USA) and Florida Atlantic (5-7, 4-4 Conference USA) both had 20 first downs, FIU only had 10 more yards of total offense with 10. Each having one turnover, which was an interception. Each team also punted it 5 times each and FAU had 1 more minute of TOP.
Florida International had a 10 point lead entering the second quarter thanks to a field goal early and a 31 yard touchdown pass from Jake Medlock to Will Wright with 0:10 left.
Florida Atlantic would kick three field goals, their last one with only 0:01 left till halftime. FIU would also kick a field goal in the second quarter. The Panthers entered halftime with a 13-9 lead.
Both defenses started to perform not as well, as they did in the first half for the second half.
Florida Atlantic started the second half off with Damian Fortner finding the end-zone to take a 16-13 lead. FIU halfback K. Rhodes would find the end-zone and another field goal by Mitch Anderson had the Panthers leading 20-19 going into the fourth quarter.
FIU opened the fourth with a field goal to give them a 23-19 lead. But, FAU would score two touchdowns within two minutes, thanks to an interception by Cre'Von LeBlanc. A couple plays after the interception Stephen Curtis found Marcus Cunningham wide open on a crossing route and Cunningham dived into the end-zone from 30 yards out.
FIU would kick a field goal with 2:24 left to only be down 33-26. But, would be unable to get the ball back.
Despite only throwing 1 interception, Stephen Curtis had a rough day passing. Only completing 11 of 29 yards (37 Comp%), but did have 200 yards passing. Big chuck of that yardage were by Williams Dukes and Alex Deleon. Dukes caught 4 passes for 88 yards and Deleon caught a big 46 yard pass leading to a touchdown for the Owls.
The Owls played really well against the run. K. Rhodes ran for 124 yards and a touchdown off 25 carries. Medlock had 8 rushes for 30 yards. He also threw for 270 yards and a lone touchdown, and interception.
Both teams will have to watch how the bowl games play out at home, as both will not be heading to a bowl game this winter. This marks the fifth straight season FAU will not be heading to a bowl game.
Owls rout Aggies, despite turnovers
Game Report Posted: September 26, 2013 19:50
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Florida Atlantic (4-7) put up 278 yards rushing and routed New Mexico State (1-10) 48-13.
Florida Atlantic had two different players rush for over 100 yards in the win. Jonathan Wallace had 118 yards off 20 carries in the first half alone, but would get knocked out of the game mid-way through the second quarter. Damian Fortner, however, picked up were he left off. Rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown off 17 carries.
Despite winning big the team had trouble keeping care of the ball, turning it over 5 times, 4 of those were interceptions from Stephen Curtis. But FAU were able to force turnovers as well though, forcing New Mexico State into 4.
Despite Curtis having the 4 interceptions - at times he was looking great. He threw 4 touchdowns and 232 yards. All four touchdowns going to different players.
The first one was caught by receiver Williams Dukes, which was also his first on the season. Marcus Cunningham, Alex Deleon, and DeAndre Robinson were the others to catch a TD pass.
Florida Atlantic had a 31-7 lead entering halftime and the closing minutes of the second half were extremely exciting. Starting with a 22 yard touchdown pass from Curtis to Cunningham, and then a minute later Richardson caught a TD pass to make it 31-0 for FAU. But after a huge kickoff return by Austin Franklin, NMSU quarterback McDonald would have a wide open receiver for a 44 yard touchdown.
The third quarter started with a 47 yard fumble return for NMSU after a big hit to halfback Damian Fortner. But, FAU would take control of the game again and finished the game off with a 2 yard touchdown run by Quez Johnson with 0:21 left in the game.
Florida Atlantic will play rival Florida International next week for their regular season finale.
Mason & Marshall run all over FAU
Game Report Posted: September 20, 2013 12:51
AUBURN, AL. -- Tre Mason and Nick Marshall combined for 344 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns as they lead Auburn (4-4, 1-3) past Florida Atlantic (3-5, 3-2).
Mason averaged 12.4 yards a carry and broke off three 20+ yard runs. He finished with 186 yards and a touchdown with only 15 carries.
Quarterback Nick Marshall was injured on the final play in the first quarter, but returned for the third quarter. Before his injury he had ran for 96 yards. He didn't slow down one bit when he returned, finishing with 158 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He didn't have the best day passing though, he thrown 2 interceptions. His backup Kihel Frazier, however, did great in the only one quarter passing for 2 touchdowns and 79 yards.
"We were able to produce on offense...yardage wise, but if you don't score touchdowns when you have the chance, then it doesn't matter how many yards you get." Said head coach Greg Patterson.
He was referring to the team being inside Auburn's 5 yard line twice, both teams turnovers. One on turnovers on down and an other one being an interception.
Stephen Curtis started the game off well, but fell part in the second half. Throwing 3 interceptions. He was 20 for 38, 217 yards, and a touchdown though. His tight end Nexon Dorvilus being his main target.
For the second straight week the tight end caught 6 passes for over 100 yards and a touchdown.
Receiver Williams Dukes also seen a lot of passes his way. Catching 6 of them for 99 yards.
Backup quarterback Quez Johnson seen action throughout the game as well. He performed really well for his limited time, completing 5 of 7 passes for 81 yards and running for 35 yards, breaking off his run on third down for 31 yards.
The defense played great against Auburn's passing game only allowing 151 yards. But not so much against the run. Giving up 391 yards and over 300 of yards from only two players.
Nick Marshall, however, started the game off with a 19 touchdown pass within the first 2 minutes of the game. Not even 2 minutes later he would break off a 52 yard touchdown run.
FAU would score later in the first with Curtis hooking up with his tight end from 9 yards out, which was the only touchdown from the team.
Tre Mason would break off a 35 yard touchdown early in the first and that gave the Tigers a 35-10 lead. A late 4 yard touchdown by Nick Marshall would just put on the finishing touches for Auburn to give them a 42-13 win.
Southern Miss holds off Owls late rally
Game Report Posted: September 25, 2013 00:44
HATTIESBURG, MISS. -- Florida Atlantic (3-7, 3-4) had just kicked a field goal to only be down by 1 with 2:01 left in the game.
A 96 yard kickoff return touchdown by Justin Sims would save his team from the Owls' rally.
Southern Miss (5-5, 4-2) would force turnovers on down at their own 37 and after two kneels the Golden Eagles stormed the field in victory.
This loss ensures no bowl games for Florida Atlantic, as the team falls to 3-7 on the season.
"We might not head to a bowl game this season. But we still can and need to finish this season strong." Said head coach Greg Patterson.
The Owls will play their final two games at home against New Mexico State and rival Florida International. Both games are very winnable for the Owls, as along with FAU, NMSU and FIU are struggling.
Southern Miss started the game fast and had a 21-3 point lead at the end of the first quarter. But a touchdown by Antonio Washington and Marcus Cunningham catching a 21 yard touchdown pass from Stephen Curtis with only 0:09 left in halftime; made it only a 28-17 point ball game.
At end of the half both teams offenses were clicking. Both teams had couple of turnovers, but that didn't stop them from gaining a lot of yardage. Florida Atlantic 316 yards and Southern Miss had 354 yards.
The Owls would end having have nearly 100 yards more of total offense than USM, with 551 to 469 and having 4 more first downs.
The second half was dominated by the Owls defense giving up no points to the offense. The only points were by the kickoff return in the final two minutes. FAU forced three in row three and outs in the start of the second half.
After a huge run by Jonathan Wallace, Antonio Washington found the end-zone for a second time this time by a 20 yard run.
Washington's big day would be ended shortly after, however. On the team's second possession in the third quarter Washington would go down with a torn pectoral, and he will miss the remained of the season.
After that the Owl's offense couldn't do anything when they got inside USM's 50.
Curtis was harrassed all day, but still found a way to have an alright game. Having career highs in attempts and yards. He was 26 for 52 for 384 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
His main targets were receiver William Dukes (7 receptions for 131 yards) and tight end Nexon Dorvilus (7 receptions for 110 yards). Both players had a catch of at least 45 yards, Dukes had a season high for yardage and Dorvilus recorded his third 100+ yard game.
Southern Miss had their way with their running game. Four different players averaged at least 6.6 yards a carry. Leading the rushing game was Jaelin Richard, who rushed for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns off 16 carries.
The leader on the defense was Emmanuel Johnson who was all over the field. Recording 15 tackles and an interception.
This win for Southern Miss has them a win away from becoming bowl eligible and has a chance of heading to the Conference USA championship game if they beat Middle Tennessee in two weeks.
McKnight leads FAU to victory in overtime
Game Report Posted: September 17, 2013 18:27
BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Down by 21 early, Jeremy McKnight came up big time helping his team rally past Marshall in overtime 31-24.
McKnight made two big time interceptions and his first one was taken back to the house for 57 yards. Which would ignite 28 unanswered points by Florida Atlantic (3-4, 3-2).
"McKnight was the most important player on this team tonight. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't have won this." Said head coach Greg Patterson after the game.
Marshall (3-3, 0-2) was having their way with the Owls. RaKeem Cato and the Herd's defense was dominating. The defense would force 3 early interceptions and 4 in total. Cato would score 3 rushing touchdowns in the first two quarters of the game. But early in the third he would be knocked out of the game.
His backup Blake Frohnapfel did not play well in his place. Completing only 5 of 13 passes for 25 yards and threw an interception.
Cato started the game off being unstoppable going 14-17 and having over 100 yards rushing. But he finished 24-39 for 195 yards, an interception, and sacked 5 times. He did run for 117 yards and 3 touchdowns though.
Three of those sacks were responsible by Cory Henry, who also already broke the school for sacks in a season now with 9 sacks on the season.
The Florida Atlantic defense played amazing, especially in the second half by shutting out Marshall.
The offense, however, not so much. Stephen Curtis once again had trouble keeping care of the ball. Throwing 4 interceptions, which brings his total to 13 on the season.
He did throw the game tying touchdown and 2-pt conversion with 3:31 left in the game. But he must perform better for the Owls.
Florida Atlantic would score in two plays in overtime, started off with a 20 yard run by quarterback Stephen Curtis and then a 5 touchdown by Antonio Washington.
FAU tight end ]Nexon Dorvilus was the biggest reason for FAU scoring on the game tying touchdown. Catching three big time passes. He was there for Curtis all game as well. Finishing the game with 6 catches for 101 yards.
Florida Atlantic will have a bye, before traveling to Auburn to play the Auburn Tigers. The Owls have won three in row games, so they will have momentum heading into the game against Auburn.
QB's Curtis & Johnson lead FAU to first win of season
Game Report Posted: September 10, 2013 00:52
HOUSTON, TX. -- Stephen Curtis went down with an injury early, but Quez Johnson was still able to lead Florida Atlantic (1-4, 1-2) to their first victory of the season, over Rice 33-16.
This win also marks the first victory of Greg Patterson's very young coaching career.
"This is a great feeling, it's awesome to say you have won a game in div-1 football." Said coach Patterson to reporters after the game.
He also said that Curtis will be good to go next week against UAB. "Curtis suffered a strained pectoral, but he'll be fine, and will be good to go next week, unless anything drasticly changes."
Before the quarterback's injury, he was having a great game. Picking apart the Owl's secondary having 167 passing yards in first quarter and having 190 in total. He also threw for a touchdown and an interception, that touchdown being a big part of his yardage. Halfback Martese Jackson would catch a screen pass and would take it to the house from 77 yards.
Jackson would come mid way though the second and did enough to keep FAU's lead up 3 scores. He only had pass the ball 9 times, completing 6 of those passes for 55 yards. He did have a big part of the team's rushing yards, running for 89 yards off 10 carries.
Curtis wasn't the only injury that occurred for FAU Receiver Marcus Cunningham would hit hard after a catch and it is reported his ribs are broken, he is looking to miss a couple of weeks.
Despite being down by two or more scores for most the game, Rice (2-2, 0-1) did not want to pass the ball. Only passing it 8 times, completing only 3 of passes.
But, when you're averaging 6.2 yards a carry on the ground and your star halfback is averaging nearly 10 yards a carry it would be hard to not run the ball. However, the running game can only do so much and it costed them.
Rice halfback Charles Ross ran for 186 yards and a touchdown off 19 carries.
Mitch Anderson redeemed himself this week, making all four field goals that he kicked. Which gave him player of the game honors.
Anderson would open the game off for FAU with a field goal early in the first. Little bit later in the first, halfback Jackson would catch a pass off of a screen and run in for a 77 yard touchdown.
Anderson would kick his third field goal of the game as time expired at halftime to give his Owls a 16-3 lead entering halftime.
Cre'Von LeBanic would intercept a pass off of a screen play and return it to the house for a 52 yard touchdown within the first 40 seconds of the second half. Rice, however, would fight back scoring 10 unanswered points to bring the score down to 23-13.
But, A touchdown by halfback Antonio Washington mid-way through the fourth quarter would put the game way for Florida Atlantic.
FAU will travel to Legion Field next week to play the UAB Blazers. Which is a very winnable game of for the Owls.
Shaw rushes for over 200 yards in win over FAU
Game Report Posted: September 08, 2013 00:18
TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- Marcus Rush ran for a career high 210 yards and a touchdown to help his team beat Florida Atlantic 31-6.
He also broke off three runs for at least 20+ yards, one going for a 25 yard touchdown.
South Florida (2-1, 0-0) started the game off with a near two minute drive for a touchdown. Little bit later in the first, quarterback Bobby Eveld would hit his receiver Derrick Hopkins and Hopkins took off for a huge 74 yard touchdown to give the Bulls a 14-0 lead.
Hopkins caught the ball only 3 times, but would have 126 yards receiving. Sean Price would be the only other receiver with positive yards receiving with 69 yards. Andre Davis caught a pass for -1 yards.
That wasn't the only big play from the Bulls, as they had many big pass and run plays on the day. Which is a big reason for Florida Atlantic (0-3, 0-1) having 9 more first downs than them with 23.
The Owls would get just inside the Bull's 50 for most of the game, but would then stall.
"We played good for most of the every drive, but then when we needed a big third down, we just couldn't get it done." Said head coach Greg Patterson. "We kept having 3rd and long due to a sack or the halfback getting tackled in the backfield."
Despite another loss. Florida Atlantic fans have to be happy what they saw from junior quarterback [url=http://ncaa.avidmanager.com/FloridaAtlantic-6882/StephenCurtis-309356/player_seasons/387180]Stephen Curtis[/url]. Curtis started the game off sharp completing 10 in row passes after having his first incomplete. He finished 29 for 51, 303 yards, a touchdown, and a lone interception which occurred on his last pass attempt of the game.
"I really liked what I saw from him [Stephen Curtis] today. He played great out there and would have, and should have better stats than he did. If his receivers wouldn't stop dropping the ball. It doesn't matter how many great throws your QB makes, if the receivers can't catch the ball." Said Patterson.
Florida Atlantic receivers combined for 8 total drops, 5 of those coming from the team's star receiver [url=http://ncaa.avidmanager.com/FloridaAtlantic-6882/WilliamDukes-309330/player_seasons/387154]William Dukes[/url].
Florida Atlantic's only points came in the second quarter when Stephen Curtis hit halfback [url=http://ncaa.avidmanager.com/FloridaAtlantic-6882/DamianFortner-309339/player_seasons/387163]Damian Fortner[/url] for a 11 yard touchdown. They would go for two, but would fail conversion.
Florida Atlantic will head for a much needed home game against Middle Tennessee State next week. While South Florida will have a bye week.
Stephen Morris leads Miami to a dominating win for FAU
Game Report Posted: September 03, 2013 21:37
MIAMI, Fla. -- Quarterback Stephen Morris accounted for 357 yards and 4 total touchdowns, as he leads his
Hurricanes to a 55-7 beating over Florida Atlantic.
Morris was nearly perfect passing, completing 25 of 31 passes for 261 yards and 3 scores.
His opponent(s) starting quarterback Quez Johnson did not play well. Having a completeation percentage
of 34% and 3 interceptions, all of them leading to scores, one of those scores on defesne. Backup QB
Stephen Curtis, however, performed really well. Compleiting 11 of 16 passes for 128 yards and a touch-
down. Which was the team's only touchdown, which occurred in the final 2 minutes of the game.
"I knew we we're going to have a tough time playing against their offense. But I wasn't think this bad, we
just got destroyed this game. There isn't any other way to put it." Said coach Greg Patterson to reporters.
"I really liked what I saw from Curtis and Dukes though."
Patterson might be making a change at quarterback already, considering Curtis played so well.
Miami started the game off with a 11 play, 69 yards drive, which ended in a Stephen Morris 4 yard TD.
By halftime it was 27-0 for the Hurricanes, and after forcing a quick three and out, Duke Johnson would
head into the end-zone for a second time to make it 34-0. Johnson finished with 100 yards and two scores.
Miami had 16 first downs and 301 yards at halftime compared to FAU's 4 first downs and 86 yards. But
FAU would out gain in the second, it would not matter however as Miami scored a lot more points.