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Athlon Sports
Florida Atlantic Football: 2024 Owls Season Preview and Prediction
By Athlon Sports,
1 day ago
The Owls need an offensive spark again. They haven’t really had one since Devin Singletary moved on to the NFL and Lane Kiffin went to Ole Miss. Despite portal turnover, perhaps head coach Tom Herman and his staff can find that again in their fast-paced system now that they have a year under their belts.
Florida Atlantic 2024 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Florida Atlantic’s Offense for 2024
In its first year under new head coach Tom Herman, Florida Atlantic regressed slightly on offense in 2023. The Owls scored 23.8 points per game last season compared to 29.8 in 2022.
In the offseason, the Owls’ portal losses were noticeable, including three quarterbacks who sought different opportunities. The Owls did manage to sign former Marshall starter Cameron Fancher. The redshirt junior is a strong candidate for the starting job after throwing for 2,162 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Thundering Herd last season, but Tyriq Starks had a particularly strong spring and will be in the running as well.
For those who remember Herman offenses from the height of his coaching career, the Owls will likely be hoping to pick up the pace this season after running 65.1 plays per game last season. The Owls also had possession of the ball for a league-low 27 minutes and five seconds per game. With the number of new faces, that could be a challenge as they all learn to jell.
Former Texas and Houston head coach Tom Herman went 4-8 in his first season leading the FAU Owls.
Jim Rassol&solOwlpix&periodcom&solUSA Today Network
Previewing Florida Atlantic’s Defense for 2024
While the offense regressed in 2023, the defense improved by a small margin, although the Owls still allowed nearly 400 yards per game. Getting that number down with the help of a few key returning veterans will give them more breathing room.
Aptly named leading tackler Jackson Ambush returns this season after 89 total stops last season with 6.5 for a loss, a sack and an interception. In the secondary, defensive backs Daedae Hill and Jayden Williams are key returners. That pair combined for 77 tackles last season as well three interceptions and five pass breakups. FCS Maine transfer Kahzir “Buggs” Brown is also expected to be a contributor in the secondary after a strong showing in spring practice. Brown broke up seven passes for the Black Bears last season.
Senior FAU linebacker Jackson Ambush returns to the Owls defense that he led in tackles a year ago
Jeff Romance&solAsbury Park Press&solUSA Today Network
Previewing Florida Atlantic’s Specialists for 2024
Kicking specialist Logan Lupo returns after going 5-for-8 on field goals last season. He was 21-for-21 on extra points. Lupo also handled punting duties last season averaging 44 yards per punt and booting the longest ball in the American Athletic Conference at 71 yards. They’ll need a new face to return kicks after losing AAC Special Teamer of the Year LaJohntay Wester to Colorado in the portal.
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