>
When looking back at last year’s 56-36 loss to UCF at Spectrum Stadium, a few things stood out with quarterback Chris Robison.
“For me personally, it was my interception,” Robison said. “For the game, it was a good atmosphere.”
This season, however, FAU has a chance at revenge. This time in front of their own good atmosphere, a potentially sold-out environment to be specific.
It is the first time FAU has hosted a big-time opponent since 2015, when the Miami Hurricanes traveled up the highway to Boca Raton.
“It is going to be exciting to play our first home game with such a big audience,” wide receiver John Mitchell said.
FAU is returning home for its home opener after falling to Ohio State 45-21 to open the season.
Despite the lopsided score, the Owls (0-1) showed flashes on both sides of the ball. After allowing 28 consecutive points to begin the game, the Owls outscored Ohio State 21-17 in the final three quarters.
“I think in the second half we were moving the ball really well,” Robison said about the team’s offensive performance. “We could pass the ball and we started to run the ball really well…Everything was going our way the second half.”
The loss did come at a major cost, though.
In the game, starting running back BJ Emmons broke his right ankle, sidelining him for a significant amount of time. The injury will allow more carries for true freshman Larry McCammon, who has impressed throughout camp.
On defense, linebacker Akileis Leroy stole the show in his first start, finishing with six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Leroy, alongside fellow linebacker Rashad Smith, will play a significant role against the Knights.
Royal Palm Beach alumnus Da’Von Brown was also impressive at safety for FAU. Brown finished the game with eight total tackles, including one tackle for loss.
Brown and the rest of the defensive backfield will be tasked with covering a talented group of UCF wide receivers highlighted by Gabriel Davis and Tre Nixon.
Over the last two seasons, UCF (1-0) has been the blueprint for smaller college football programs to build.
The Knights are a combined 25-1 over the last two seasons, including two appearances in the New Year’s Six bowl games. They are 1-1 in those appearances, beating Auburn in the Peach Bowl in 2017.
“[UCF] are a great team, great program and have been winning for a long time,” Kiffin said. “They have done it over decades, had great teams and great runs.”
To open up the 2019 season, the Knights handled Florida A&M 62-0, and saw both Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush and true freshman Dillon Gabriel get significant playtime to begin the game.
Wimbush finished the game completing 12 of his 23 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Gabriel threw just 13 passes, but had three touchdowns.
The main story with UCF’s offense though is their playmakers. Alongside Nixon and Davis, running backs Adrian Killins and Greg McRae are capable of beating defenses in multiple ways, and get the benefit of running behind a talented offensive line that features three all-conference players from last season.
On defense, safety Richie Grant finished last season leading the Knights in tackles (103), and interceptions (6). Grant was named to the All-AAC first team.
PHOTO CREDITS: Jalen Chambers
