BIRMINGHAM AL.- Have a day Lajohntay Wester!
Today (November 4), Florida Atlantic traveled deep into conference rival territory to Protective Stadium to face the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Clearly, UAB forgot to watch FAU wide receiver, Lajohntay Wester’s film leading into this week’s matchup.
Heโs Mr. Biletnikoff from now on๐
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) November 4, 2023
FOURTH TD of the day @lajohntayw #TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/xM1yoqh5qZ
On his first reception of the game, Lajohntay became FAU’s all-time single season reception leader. Wester’s 77th (and counting) reception on the season cemented him into the Owls’ record books!
#1 on the field and in the record books ๐ช https://t.co/DwEt9Cq1q9 pic.twitter.com/09m93MvDcI
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) November 4, 2023
The Biletnikoff Award Watch List Receiver had some more tricks up his sleeve today, totaling over 200 receiving yards and 4 total touchdowns (3 receiving 1 rushing). Lajohntay started the scoring frenzy with a 12 yard touchdown reception on an out route early in the second quarter.
Who else but @la_wester?! #AmericanFB x @FAUFootball pic.twitter.com/MMbbvVdc5P
— The American (@American_Conf) November 4, 2023
At the end of the first half, FAU trailed UAB 28-14. Despite the halftime deficit, this is where Wester started to turn up.
Through one half pic.twitter.com/hnMCFaoiL5
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) November 4, 2023
Following a long 39 yard rush by quarterback Daniel Richardson to put the Owls in the red zone, Lajohntay lined up in the back field, motioning outside for an easy 3 yard touchdown rush, scoring his second touchdown of the day.
.@la_wester rushing td๐ค#AmericanFB x @FAUFootball pic.twitter.com/pGq96CGOnc
— The American (@American_Conf) November 4, 2023
After a Dwight Toombs interception puts the Owls offense back on the field, Wester was ready to find himself back in the end zone. This time, Richardson found Wester for a 20 yard reception, earning his third of the day.
Keep watching him @biletnikoffawrd ๐๐
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) November 4, 2023
LaJohntay hauls in the 20-yard TD, his third of the day
Q3 3:17 35-28 pic.twitter.com/rOd5saOuMi
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Owls offense lit off the fireworks. Daniel Richardson found Lajohntay Wester DEEP for a long 76 yard touchdown to tie the game 35-35. This would be Wester’s final trip to the Promised Land, as he records 11 receptions, 220 receiving yards, 4 total touchdowns.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐!!!!!!!!!
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) November 4, 2023
10 catches, 208 yards, four TDs (1 rushing)
๐บ ESPN+ https://t.co/C6XWPaf2cA pic.twitter.com/5RHGA54KJu
Unfortunately for FAU, the comeback ended there, as UAB slips away with the victory, winning 45-42 on a final seconds field goal. Despite their best efforts, Florida Atlantic falls to 4-5 (3-2 AAC).
On a positive note, Lajohntay Wester has solidified himself as one of the NCAA’s top receivers, with over a quarter of the season remaining.
The Owls will return home next Saturday (November 11) to host conference opponent East Carolina. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 P.M.
