2014 Week 3

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- A 11 yard touchdown pass from Stephen Curtis to Jenson Stoshak would cap a 18 point comeback and 22 points in the fourth quarter to beat Connecticut (1-2) 45-41.

It was a game of a lot of big plays by both teams, and miscues by both. But Connecticut would make a couple more than Florida Atlantic (1-2)

It took two huge plays in the fourth quarter to beat the Huskies, however, a 97 yard kickoff return by Doug Brady (picture above) and Antonio Washington catching a crossing route and taking it to the house from 76 yards.

"Our guys stepped up big time when it was needed. This was a group effort from the defense, special teams, and offense." Said head coach Greg Patterson.

The Owls had their woes on offense at first, however, while the defense despite giving up a lot of big plays, were forcing turnovers, four interceptions, and forced 2 fumbles.

Those interceptions were the biggest factor of Connecticut losing. They had no problem moving the ball, piling up 631 yards of total offense and 26 first downs. Quarterback Chandler Whitmer threw for 421 yards and had 3 total touchdowns, but threw 4 interceptions.

Whitmer got injured midway through the fourth quarter as well and won't not come back. His replacement Scott McCummings went 7 for 8, but all of his passes were inside of 8 yards.

Connecticut receivers had a big day as well, three different guys had over 100 yards receiving. Shakim Phillips ( 5 rec, 121 yards), Deshon Foxx (7 rec, 103 yads, TD), and Geremy Davis (5 rec, 115 yards), Phillips and Davis both had catches of 55+ yards as well.

Unlike Connecticut, Florida Atlantic did not turn it over once. Stephen Curtis wasn't spot on with his throws, only having a completion percentage of 51, and threw for 267 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

Washington's huge 76 yard touchdown made him the leading receiver with 80 yards off 2 catches. Williams Dukes (5 rec, 69 yards) and Alex Deleon (4 rec, 71 yards) had nice games as well and made some big time catches throughout the game.

But, the praise has to go to the defense and special teams. Newcomer Darnell Martin and Damian Parms each had 2 interceptions, and Martin had a pick 6 (64 yards) in the third quarter.

That wasn't all the Owls defense did as well. They sacked the Connecticut's quarterbacks 6 times and forced 2 fumbles. Robinson Eugene was the only one with more than a sack, with two and forced one of the fumbles. Freshman James Montgomery also made a big time sack in the fourth quarter.

Doug Brady was big time on special teams with his 97 yard touchdown, and returned 7 kicks for 274 yards (39.1 avg). Although, the team did miss 2 field goals, Joey Silvani and freshman kicker Anthony Allen each missed one.

Florida Atlantic started the game off with a field goal to give them a 3-0 lead early. But three in row rushing touchdowns by Uconn had them up 21-3 late in the second. Antonio Washing got into the end-zone from 1 yard out with 0:57 left till halftime. Uconn, however, stormed their way to a 19 yard touchdown with 0:11 left to give tham a 28-10 lead entering halftime.

Darnell Martin would pick off Whitmer for the second time of the game and this time returned to the house for the pick six. A field goal by Uconn, was then followed by two FAU field goals to make the game 31-23 entering the fourth.

After a huge 59 yard pass, Whitmer ran in from 2 yards out for his second touchdown of the game to then give the Huskies a 38-23 lead. But Brady's big time kickoff return touchdown and 2-pt conversion by FAU would give the Owls the momentum. Uconn was able to get a field goal against 2 minutes later to make it 41-31. Then Florida Atlantic went onto two score touchdowns with 5:58 left and 1:32 left to complete the 18 point comeback for the victory.

The Owls will play rival Troy next week, and will hope to ride this momentum into that game for a hopeful victory.

Note: There was a DPI call against Connecticut and a holding call against me; I was in so shocked to see both of those calls during the game!
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