BOCA RATON – The Florida Atlantic Owls took down the Charlotte 49ers in a 43-13 win last night (Aug. 27).
These two Conference USA teams have battled every year with an exception of the 2020 season. It is FAU head coach Willie Taggart’s third win in a row over Charlotte.
FAU is now 6-3 overall against Charlotte in its series.
Charlotte was able to put points on the board first.
Starting senior quarterback Chris Reynolds connected with junior wide receiver Grant Dubose for a 52-yard pass to place the 49ers in the lead early on.
Dubose was the only Charlotte player to score. And with that, it was the only lead that Charlotte held in this game.
Taggart spoke on his team’s reaction to the early adversity.
“I was pleased to see how my guys responded,” Taggart said ecstatically. “We talked about adversity all throughout training camp, because we haven’t been good with that in the past; I was really pleased.”
It did not take long for the Owls to respond.
Running back Larry McCammon ran for 52 yards to score on the Owls first drive. The junior finished with his personal best of 118 yards and the rushing touchdown.
McCammon modestly explained how he was able to perform so well in this game opener.
“I can’t take all of the credit,” McCammon said. “I can see the difference in my O-line from all spring and all summer to this game.”
The Owls then built off that momentum and continued to score with a 26-7 lead to end the half.
FAU (1-0) welcomed back 14 seniors; eight on offense and six on defense.
Returning for the third year, Miami transfer N’kosi Perry was exceptionally proud to see his teammates excel from the sideline.
Perry himself finished with 256 passing yards and a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
The team captain explained the depth of the wide receiver role.
“All those guys were ready,” Perry said. “Whenever their number was called, they were ready to perform.”
The Owls quarterback was able to connect with at least four receivers in this one.
Lajohntay Wester had 66 yards, while Jahmal Edrine added 54 yards of his own.
Meanwhile, Tony Johnson finished with 43 yards and Jaquan Burton had 36 yards, along with a touchdown.
Last night’s performance was just the tip of the iceberg for the Owls.
With Ohio next on the schedule, FAU hopes to continue having explosive games with many extensive key players to show for it.
This will be FAU’s last year playing in Conference USA before switching over to the American Athletic Conference in 2023.
“Yes, we’re 1-0 in the Conference but we’re going to have a chip on our shoulder all year long,” Perry said. “We have one common goal, but we want to take it one day at a time.”
Honorable mention: Owls sophomore cornerback Justin McKithen came through with a 63-yard interception return for a score.
NOTE: FAU’s defense allowed just 279 yards and did not give up any fourth down conversions in this game.
PHOTO CREDITS: Ronaldo Garcia
