Florida Atlantic Owls

56 Points in first half leads TCU to 59-13 rout of FAU

Game Report Posted: October 06, 2013 15:43  

FORT WORTH, Texas. -- Matt Davis' first game as a Horned Frog was a big one. He threw for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns as he helped in the rout of Florida Atlantic.

The Horned Frogs finished with nearly 700 yards off total offense, having 657 yards and 30 first downs. 443 of those yards were on the ground.

Halfbacks Aaron Green (114 yards and a touchdown) and B.J. Catalon (95 yards and a touchdown), and quarterback Trevone Boykin (109 yards and a touchdown) led the rushing attack for them.

"We we're just man handled in the first half and the whole game overall." Said head coach Greg Patterson. "It wasn't because we made many mistakes either, we just couldn't move the ball or stop them."

Both team's had three different quarterbacks play during the game. TCU backup Boykin threw a touchdown, along with his 109 yards rushing.

Stephen Curtis only turned the ball over once, but had a tough time completing passes. Only having 10 of 27 passes completed for 120 yards. Greg Hankerson played most of the third, he was 5 for 9 for 44 yards and an interception. Quez Johnson finished the fourth quarter and played the best out of the three. Having 70 yards passing and completing 27 touchdown pass in the final minutes of the fourth for the Owls lone touchdown.

The Owls rushing attack wasn't able to get going. Big part of that was starting halfback Antonio Washington got knocked out of the game on the very first play with a concussion. His status for next week is uncertain.

Matt Davis was responsible for the first three touchdowns in the first quarter, hitting receivers from 17, 15 and 4 yards out. The fourth touchdown being a big 32 yard run from Aaron Green at the end of the first.

Florida Atlantic kicked a field goal early in the second, but on the pursuing kickoff TCU returned it to the house from 102 yards out. That was point of the game you knew the game was over. TCU's second team unit went on to score three more touchdowns in the second to give the Frogs a 56-3 lead.

FAU was able to hold them to only a field goal in the final two quarters, and would score a field goal themselves along with the touchdown pass with 1:48 left in the game.

Florida Atlantic will head home for the first time this season to play Connecticut. TCU will play another Conference USA opponent in Middle Tennessee State.

Owls outgun Huskies in second half 45-41

Game Report Posted: October 10, 2013 00:22  

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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Backup QB Johnson leads heroic comeback for FAU

Game Report Posted: October 12, 2013 23:29  

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Quez Johnson led Florida Atlantic (2-2) to two touchdowns in the final 1:49 of the fourth quarter and then would shock the Trojans (2-1) in triple overtime 65-62.

Mid-way through the third quarter Stephen Curtis would throw his fourth interception of the game, third of the third quarter, coach Greg Patterson would then put in junior Quez Johnson. Johnson would overcome a 14 deficit, throwing two touchdown passes with 1:49 left and then the game tying touchdown with 0:15 left.

"That was the best game I have ever been part of. Johnson took control of the offense and led us to this victory." Said head coach Greg Patterson

Johnson, might have taken over the starting job, thanks to his performance. He threw for 189 yards and 2 scores, and ran for 38 yards and another 2 scores.

While, starter Stephen Curtis was a horrific 8 for 24 passing, 139 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.

Everyone on the receiving core stepped up big time. Jenson Stoshak caught 6 passes for 77 yards, most of those passes coming at big parts of the game. Marcus Cunningham got behind the defense and a 54 yard touchdown pass, and finishing with 88 yards. Kalib Woods made 2 huge catches on the team's game tying drive, finishing with 77 yards. Tight end Alex Deleon would catch a TD pass from both quarterbacks as well.

Troy's offense was unstoppable for most of the game, having 612 yards of total offense and 32 first downs. But, linebacker Mike Brown would make couple of huge plays on defense to help his team win. Brown having 17 tackles, a sack, and 2 force fumbles. His first forced fumble occurred when Dallas Tidwell ran for a first down and laid a big hit on him forcing the fumble; Cre'Von LeBlanc would then scoop it up bring it to the house from 86 yards, with only 0:05 left in the second quarter.

Tidwell had a nice game, throwing for 314 yards, 4 touchdowns, rushing for over 104 yards, and 2 touchdowns. But his 3 turnovers (2 interceptions) costed the Trojans from closing the game out.

Most of the action didn't happen until the second half. But, the game started off with both teams scoring touchdowns late in the first. Troy scoring first with a 2 yard touchdown. Curtis found Deleon in the end-zone for a 11 yard score a couple of minutes later.

Troy then scored a touchdown and a field goal in the second to take a 17-7 lead. But, the Owls got it tied thanks to the fumble return TD by LeBlanc.

Troy received the second half kickoff and would storm down the field quickly for a 20 yard touchdown by J. McCall. Little over a minute later Marcus Cunningham got past secondary and Curtis hit him for the 54 yard touchdown.

After that, however, Curtis threw three interceptions on their next three drives, luckily only leading to one touchdown. Johnson would enter the game and score on a 6 yard touchdown to tie at 31-31.

But, Troy scored two touchdowns on 13 and 34 yard pass plays to take a 45-31 lead. With only 2:29 left, Johnson would get the ball, and in 40 seconds he got his team in the end-zone with a short TD pass to Deleon.

The Owls would be unable to recover the onside kick, but thanks to a Mike Brown sack and forced fumble the Trojans had a long field. A couple of plays later at the 37, Troy attempted a field goal to long for their kicker and gave the Owls the ball at the Owls 37.

Johnson would lead the Owls inside the 20 and found a open receiver, Jake Anderson, for the game tying 11 yard touchdown.

Troy had offense to open up the first overtime, and Dallas Tidwell ran in untouched for a 7 yard touchdown. Johnson would then do the same thing, only a yard longer, for the game tying 8 yard touchdown.

After converting a 3rd & 5, Antonio Washington broke a tackle in the back field for a 12 yard touchdown. Only two plays later, Tidwell found a wide open receiver for a 25 yard touchdown and the tie.

The Owls were able to hold the Trojans to a field goal and they now only needed a touchdown to win the game. Converting another third down in the overtime, this time inside the 10, Washington got into the end-zone for the second time from the 2 yard line and the Owls stormed in the field in victory for rival Troy.

The Owls broke multiple team records, most points in a game (Previous 57), most points allowed (previous 61), and most points combined in a game (previous 108).
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Florida Atlantic force two late turnovers to edge out Marshall in defensive battle

Game Report Posted: October 15, 2013 01:26  

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Up 10-0 in the first quarter Marshall seemed to have everything rolling. But, Florida Atlantic's defense took complete control of the game and would allow no points.

Also, forcing two late turnovers, the last one coming at 1:32 left in the game with a forced fumble to win the game 17-10.

It was a game of all defense, teams combined for 17 punts, 13 sacks, 7-31 on third down.

Marshall had went down field on a long 16 play drive for a rushing touchdown to open the game up and a field goal little bit later in the first quarter. Right before the first quarter ended, Quez Johnson led FAU down field and found a wide open Darnell Martin for a 22 yard touchdown.

Johnson threw an interception on his very first pass. But, would take great care of the ball after that, he was, however, sacked 8 times. He was 14 for 24 passing, 170 yards, and a touchdown. He ran the ball 18 times for only 5 yards, but 8 sacks will do that to your stat-line.

2:13 left in the second quarter, Florida Atlantic kicked the game tying field goal and the score was 10-10 entering halftime.

The Owls received the second half kickoff and took their time, Antonio Washington scoring on a 14 yard run. The drive took nearly 4 minutes. Washington had a productive day rushing, running for 94 yards, and a score, averaging 6.4 yards a carry.

No more points was put on the scoreboard after that, Marshall had chances of scoring on their final two drives. But, a sack on third down at mid-field and then a fumble by Rakeem Cato would end any chances of a comeback.

Mike Brown has proved to be the leader on defense. Recording 12 tackles and a sack, which earned him player of game honors.

"Our defense played lights out today, they wren't going to allow anymore points for rest of the game." Said head coach Greg Patterson.

This win marks the third straight for the Owls to put them at 3-2 (1-0 C-USA). This is also the second win against Marshall for Patterson, a team he seems to have a great game plan for.

Rakeem Cato was held to a horrible 97 yards passing and an interception. He did run for 72 yards, but was held in check for most of the game. Halfbacks Kevin Grooms (5 rec, -9 yards) and Remi Watson (3 rec, -4 yards) were both held to negative yards receiving.

Both offenses were dominated by the defenses. Marshall having only 224 yards, 4 for 17 on third down, and 8 punts. The Owls having a little bit more yardage with 287, 3-14 on third down, and 9 punts.

Florida Atlantic will have a bye this coming week, before traveling to Southern Miss to play the Golden Eagles.