Matchup: FAU (2-9, 0-6 AAC) vs Charlotte (3-8, 1-6 AAC)
When: Saturday, November 30th, 3:30 PM
Where: Tulsa Stadium
TV: ESPN+
Radio: FoxSports 640
Opening Line: FAU -1
Weather Forecast: Here
The Series: FAU leads 2-1
FAU Notes:
FAU battles with Tulsa in the final game of the regular season and the Owls look to snap a 6 game losing streak in another battle of interim coaches.
The Owls battled hard in their home finale against Charlotte last week, as 3rd string QB Tyriq Starks briefly took the lead in the second half, but Charlotte pulled away late. Starks completed 12 of 23 passes for 179 yards in that one, connecting with Omari Hayes for a 65 yard TD and showing a solid ability to stretch the field.
On the ground Cj Campbell did what he does, rushing for 150 yards and a score, also catching 3 passes for 25 yards, while Gemari Sands, Zuberi Mobley and Xavier Terrell each chipped in 40 yards, with Terrell finding the endzone for the first time this season. The emergence of Terrell and Sands is key for the Owls heading into this final matchup, as Campbell and Mobley both announced they will be entering the transfer portal, leaving their status for this game up in the air.
Tyriq Starks is expected to start this game and the 3rd string veteran from Miami is prepared now with a start under his belt and will be looking to lead the Owls to victory for the first time in conference play. Kasen Weisman remains questionable for this matchup, however he also announced he will be entering the portal, which could potentially rule him out for this game as he may not want to risk further injury.
In the pass catching department, Omari Hayes continues to lead the way for FAU, scoring another lengthy touchdown against Charlotte and he has yet to declare for the transfer portal and if he’s at full strength for this game that will help FAU compete against an up-tempo Tulsa offense. Elijah Brown and Khalil Brantley each recorded receptions at tight end against Charlotte and with both Wyatt Sullivan and Zeke Moore both entering the portal, Brown and Brantley could see their role increase in this final matchup.
Charlotte only recorded 1 sack on the day against FAU and that was without starting center Federico Maranges, who will also be out for this matchup against Tulsa. The solid protection bodes well for Starks, as getting good protection will go a long ways in helping him be comfortable and lead this offense to success against a Tulsa defense which has been prone to allowing big plays.
Defensively the Owls were hurt through the air against Charlotte, as Freshman gunslinger Deshawn Purdie completed 16 of 30 attempts for 396 yards, 3 TDs and only 1 interception, with Omega Blake catching 5 of those passes for 205 yards and all 3 TDs. FAU was solid in run defense limiting the 49ers to only 52 yards on 21 attempts, however Tulsa will have a similar pass game with a QB in Legas who will take risks and a receiver in Joseph Williams who will turn those risks in to big plays.
Player to watch for: Tyriq Starks
Tyriq Starks was fairly solid in his first start ever at the D1 level and now with a start under his belt, this matchup against Tulsa presents an opportunity to build on that against a defense that has struggled. Starks was in a position to lead a comeback, however a late fumble ultimately cost the Owls the game, but that one blemish doesn’t erase the good.
Starks has an ability to stretch the field, while also having the mobility to operate similar sets how Fancher was able to. Tulsa’s defense is dealing with injuries and has been prone to allowing big plays this year, which gives Starks an opportunity to build on his first performance.
Ultimately in this one, expect Starks to battle hard as they have all year, however in the last game that intensity may be amped a bit as the Owls look to pull out a win during their last game of the year.
Final note:
Overall, FAU continues to battle hard in these games but are lacking execution late and it has led to multiple games where they were in it, but ultimately fell short. The effort is there for the Owls and if they can capitalize and execute against Tulsa, this is a winnable matchup where they can potentially end the season on a high note.
Stats:
Tulsa Notes:
Tulsa comes in at 3-8, following a 63-30 drubbing at the hands of USF, a game in which they ultimately fired their coach Kevin Wilson after, naming former UNC WR Ryan Switzer interim for this game against FAU.
It has been an up and down season for the Golden Hurricane, as their offense has shown bright spots and times, however their defense has left a lot to be desired. Their offense has the ability to win them games, as 30 points against USF is fairly solid, however their defense can also lose them games and in the final game of the year we shall see which side shows up.
Cooper Legas has come on strong in the past few weeks, taking over for Kirk Francis 6 weeks ago and although he is 1-4 as a starter, he has thrown for 1081 yards, 12 TDs and 5 INTs. Legas has elevated this offense from its early season struggles and he has formed a major connection with freshman WR Joseph Williams, who has hauled in over 6 catches, 100 yards and a TD in 3 consecutive weeks, giving this offense a go-to target.
Their ground game has been inconsistent, as neither of their top 2 backs are currently averaging over 5 yards per carry and both Anthony Watkins and Bill Jackson are under 400 yards total on the year. Their lack of a ground game has left the offense in unmanageable situations and led the offense to be turnover prone at times.
Defensively, they have allowed 4 TDs or more in 9 out of 11 games, and have allowed 5 TDs or more in 4 consecutive games, leaving the offense struggling to keep up. Teams have been able to hurt Tulsa through the air and on the ground, however they have attacked the quarterback at a solid rate, collecting 17 sacks on the year and have also forced turnovers quite well, with 15 combined fumbles and interceptions.
Player to watch for: Joseph Williams
Joseph Williams has established himself as a go-to guy for Tulsa over the final few weeks of the season, hauling over 100 yards in 3 consecutive games including 3 touchdowns in a loss to ECU. He gives this offense an explosive ability which it was missing at times outside of Kamdyn Benjamin and against an FAU defense which struggled through the air, he is a player to watch out for.
Final thoughts:
Tulsa has struggled defensively this season, however their explosive offense equally has the ability to attack FAU’s defensive inconsistencies. This game will come down to which side’s defense stands up, as both have struggled, but with only one game remaining there is just one opportunity left to execute and get a win and whichever side’s defense steps up, will most likely pull out the win.
