FAU’s Season opener is upon us and year 2 of the Tom Herman era begins with a trip back to the Big 10, facing off against Michigan state.
Although it is year 2 for Herman, this is like a new era, as FAU has brought in a boatload of new players and many are expected to make an impact in game 1. With all the newness on both sides of the ball for FAU, this game will have many things to watch for to get a feel for what this Owls squad will bring to the table this season.
Below are 3 things to watch for as the Owls head into their first matchup of the season, and look to establish an identity early in the year.
- Offensive Diversity-
The Cam Fancher era for FAU also kicks off with tonight’s matchup, and alongside him are a bunch of weapons who are also going to be seeing a major role for the first time at FAU.
In this matchup, it will be important for FAU to establish themselves in all 3 facets of this offense as early as possible to get in a groove to potentially capitalize off of defensive stops.
Early on in the game, Fancher will need to be able to run the ball effectively, utilizing the RPO and Option game to keep the defense on their toes, while also mixing in designed run plays for him when the game calls for it.
If Fancher is able to establish the RPO side of the offense early, that can potentially open up the other sides of the offense, as the defense will be forced to stay true to his running ability, which could open up holes for Cj Campbell Jr. in the run game, or force MSU to bring coverage up which could open up the passing game.
Running the ball effectively on early down’s will be important to set up Fancher for 3rd and manageable situations, where he can have the ability to run the short pass game or pick up the 1st down with his legs.
Where FAU could end up in trouble offensively is if they find themselves in 3rd and long situations. This offseason showed a bit of a struggle for the offense in stretching the field, and for this unit to find success in this one they will need to set up the short game. If Fancher can have the option to use run or let receivers make plays in space, capitalizing on the short game, that could potentially open up deeper pass plays down the field.
- Generate pass-rush-
Last year FAU was unable to generate a consistent pass rush, which gave opponents decent time in the pocket and resulted in good coverage getting busted due to the amount of time opponents had.
Where FAU brings in new life at this position compared to last year is depth, and having the ability to rotate multiple guys in off the edge to provide fresh legs to attack the QB.
On the interior, FAU brought in new pieces to help dampen the loss of Evan Anderson who was a force in the pass rush and run stopping game. Bryce Langston and Prince Boyd combine with Jacob Merrifield and Jaden Wheeler to create a dynamic group who can rotate in depending on the situation.
The Owls addressed the edge rusher position in the offseason, and also got Marlon Bradley back at full strength and although FAU won’t want to blitz Aidan Chiles all game, the Owls having a presence in the back field will be huge to help them slow down the Spartan offense.
Off the edge, Chris Jones and Marlon Bradley will be leaders in this unit, while Wilky Denaud, Chisom Ifeanyi and August Salvati will all see rotational reps. Look for this unit to be improved and potentially make an impact off the edge in game 1 for the Owls.
- Establish a “#1” at WR-
Although not a focal point with the depth FAU brought in at WR this offseason, in game 1 it will be something to watch as to who steps up as a go to target in this offense for Cam Fancher.
With the way FAU attacked this position in the offseason, it’s not expected there’s going to be a Wester’s style of player in this offense, however throughout the offseason there hasn’t been a guy who’s established themselves as a number one target, and although no one is expected to get 150 targets, it will be something to watch who Fancher trusts in pressure situations.
Will it be one of his former Marshall counterparts, in his former roommate in Caleb Coombs or former WVU receiver EJ Horton who was a part of the 2022 Marshall Squad, which was Fancher’s best year. Dom Henry a transfer from BYU has flashed speed and the ability to stretch the field during fall camp, and could be another option for Fancher to look to depending on how much playing time he receives
Could it be longtime Owl Jayshon Platt who potentially steps into a starting role on the outside for FAU following the injury to BJ Alexander in Fall camp? Or will FAU have another playmaker out of the slot in Omari Hayes, who steps into an expanded role after a redshirt season or maybe Milan Tucker, the speedy transfer from Appalachian State who can provide explosiveness to this offense?
In his sophomore year, could it be Zeke Moore who steps up at the TE position to be the next great FAU Tight end and a trusty target over the middle for Fancher?
We shall see who steps up as Fancher’s guy when the crowd is going crazy on a 3rd down tonight in East Lansing, but one of the benefits to FAU’s offseason strategy in bringing in depth is that there are multiple guys who have the talent to be the go to guy, it is just a matter of finding them when the lights are the brightest.
Honorable Mentions-
How much will FAU use Tyriq Starks-
Although not expected to play a major role in the passing game, backup QB Tyriq Starks could see multiple packages where the Owls look to utilize him in a Michael Johnson Jr role like we saw last year.
Where we may see Starks expand on that role is with his ability as a passer, and if the Owls bring him on in running situations, it may throw off the defense if FAU calls an RPO and Starks drops back to pass.
Expect to see Starks on 3rd and short situations and the Goal-line, and watch for his role as a passer in those packages to expand as the season goes on.
Special teams, special plays, special players—
Tom Herman was happy with the depth at kicker all off-season, with FAU having 4 kickers in Robert Hammond III, Carter Davis, Logan Lupo, and Morgan Suarez all competing for the job out of camp, and all showing success with long distance FGs.
The Owls also bring in Jet-Award watch list member Milan Tucker at returner, and he may be able to help fill La’Johntay Wester’s shoes, at least in the return game.
In this one it will be something to watch if FAU is able to capitalize on special teams, converting on long distance field goals, extra yards on punt-returns, and maybe even a big kick-return are all things that could help the Owls flip the script in this one and keep it close.