The FAU Owls, who were led out onto the field pregame by celebrity rapper Kodak Black, recorded their first win of the season, beating Monmouth 42-20.
Recap
It’s a new era for FAU football. Whether it’s the conference change to the AAC, the hire of head coach Tom Herman, or the transfer portal acquisition of quarterback Casey Thompson, the Owls look really different, but in a good way.
The new-look Owls looked really good Saturday night in Boca Raton, led by Casey Thompson’s five touchdowns and Larry McCammon’s fifth career 100 yard rushing game.
FAU’s defense got off to a fast start, as the Owls forced an early three-and-out.
On FAU’s first offensive drive, the Owls went five plays (1:30), 80 yards, capped off by a seven-yard rushing touchdown by running back Larry McCammon.
On the ensuing offensive drive, Casey Thompson showed off his wheels, running the ball twice for 16 yards. One of Thompson’s quarterback keeps resulted in a big hit called for targeting, putting FAU in the red zone. Monmouth’s Thomas Joe-Kamara was disqualified for the rest of the game.
The drive finished with Casey Thompson throwing his first touchdown as an Owl, a nine-yard catch by Tony Johnson, the rising sophomore. The Owls were now up 14-0.
Monmouth followed with a 13 play, 75 yard drive. The Hawks got on the board after a direct snap to Sone Ntoh resulted in a two-yard touchdown. It was Ntoh’s first career score. FAU still led 14-7.
FAU scored for a third time on their third drive after the Owls drove up the field thanks to a 55 yard reception from Larry McCammon, who weaved through Monmouth’s defense, starting off on the right sideline and eventually getting tackled down the left sideline.
Casey Thompson finished off the drive by throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver LaJohntay Wester.
Casey Thompson threw his third touchdown of the night in the second quarter, an eight-yard pass to wide receiver Je’Quan Burton. FAU extended their lead to 28-7.
Monmouth cut FAU’s lead to 14 points (28-14) late in the second quarter after quarterback Marquez McCray threw a 27 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Assanti Kearney. He was double-teamed in the end-zone, but managed to make an incredible grab. That was the end of the first half.
In the third quarter, things got off to a slow start. But with seven minutes remaining, Casey Thompson found Je’Quan Burton, who broke one tackle and was off to the races. Burton ran the ball 35 yards for his second touchdown of the game, extending FAU’s lead to 35-14. It was Thompson’s fourth touchdown of the game.
FAU cashed in once more in the third quarter. Casey Thompson connected with Tony Johnson for an impressive 72 yard touchdown, getting the FAU faithful out of their seats. It was Johnson’s second touchdown of the night and the longest reception of his career.
Thompson, meanwhile, recorded his fourth career five touchdown game. It’s the sixth time in program history in which an FAU quarterback has thrown for five touchdowns. The Owls led 42-14 heading into the final quarter.
Halfway through the fourth quarter, Monmouth quarterback Marquez McCray found Dre Tucker for a 16 yard touchdown. It was too little, too late. FAU still had a comfortable 22 point lead. The final score was 42-20.
Casey Thompson had a great debut, completing 20-of-25 passes for 280 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.
Running back Larry McCammon had a statement game, rushing the ball 13 times for 125 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the FAU receivers showed out in a big way. Obviously, five receiving touchdowns indicates an impressive showing, but the depth showed as well. Four FAU players recorded over 50 receiving yards: LaJohntay Wester (55), Tony Johnson (91), Larry McCammon (59), and Je’Quan Burton (56).
On defense, the Owls recovered one fumble and an interception. Monmouth’s defense, meanwhile, struggled mightily. They barely pressured Casey Thompson when he was in the pocket, hence why the Hawks recorded no sacks. The Hawks defense did record an interception, though.
Overall, it was a strong showing for the FAU Owls, who are now 1-0. Congratulations to Tom Herman on recording his first win as Owls head coach, and the 55th win of his head coaching career.
Next up for the Owls is a home showdown with the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio just defeated the LIU Sharks 27-10.
