PALM BEACH COUNTY – FAU junior running back Devin Singletary and FIU junior running back Shawndarrius Phillips were statistical leaders in their respective matchups.
Singletary, who is an American Heritage (Delray Beach) alum, got off to a slow start this season. But he’s definitely picked it up in Week 3, as he had a record-breaking performance against Bethune Cookman last night.
Singletary racked up 19 carries for 84 yards and five touchdowns (single-game school record), averaging 4.4 rushing yards per carry. The Owls knocked off Bethune Cookman 49-28 at home, and all of Singletary’s scores came in the first half.
Although Singletary had a record breaking day, he wasn’t completely satisfied with the team’s overall performance.
Singletary simply stated: “We are still kinda average,” he said. “We still need to elevate more.”
On the other hand, Phillips has seen increased playing time and will be “the guy” for FIU moving forward. The Atlantic (Delray Beach) alum has cemented himself as a versatile player in his last two games for the Golden Panthers.
Phillips made his presence know once again in Week 3, which turned out to be a 63-24 blowout win over UMass. He would get started early and often as “Mr. Everything” for the Panthers in the first quarter – five carries for 35 yards and a touchdown; three receptions for 56 yards.
Phillips finished the game with 16 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
As any good running back would do, Phillips credited his offensive line for his big game against UMass.
“I can’t take credit for that,” he said. “It was my offensive line. I trusted them.”
Both running backs will have the opportunity to make themselves known once again. They will face off against nationally ranked in-state opponents coming up in Week 4.
Singletary and the Owls will be on the road to face No. 18 UCF next Friday (Sept. 21; 7:30 p.m. kickoff) in Orlando, while Phillips and the Panthers will be on the road to face No. 21 Miami on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Hard Rock Stadium (3:30 p.m. kickoff).
DON’T FORGET ABOUT HOMER
Miami running back and Oxbridge Academy alum Travis Homer racked up 16 carries for 62 yards in a 49-24 road win over Toledo yesterday. He has tallied 36 carries for 162 yards in three games played this season and will look to have a breakout game in Week 4 against FIU.
