Step Up Owls

The Owls' football program is constantly referred to as a program on the rise. With the master architect of building programs from scratch, Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger, its easy to make that assumption.

The Owls will need to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday, whom the Owls defeated last season, so this season doesn't look like a step backwards.

Back to back weeks the Owl's defense has let up career high games to the opponent's best offensive player, UAB's Joe Webb, and MSU's Javon Ringer. The defense may be getting just the help they need.

FAU's defensive end Robert St. Claire may be back for Saturday's game. With him possibly back, and last weeks performance, the defense is feeling more confident this week.

The Gophers play a spread offense, something the Owls saw the first two weeks, so they should be well prepared.Last weeks wet weather won't be a factor because the Gophers play indoors. Look for Rusty and Gent to get back on track.



Minnesota comes into the game at 3-0 on the season. They play conference opponent Ohio State the next week, but aren't looking past the Owls.

An Owls loss this week would put them at 1-3 on the season and 1-14 against BCS opponents. Fans won't fill the seats long with mediocre play, especially with so many powerhouse teams just a few hours drive away.