Opinion
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Clash at Scheumann Stadium: Florida Atlantic Owls vs Ball State Cardinals in Football Showdown

As the Florida Atlantic Owls prepare to take on the Ball State Cardinals at Scheumann Stadium, fans are eager to see if the Owls can turn their fortunes around after a series of challenging games. The upcoming match scheduled for September 14th is an opportunity for redemption, and all eyes will be on FAU's performance.


Sep 24, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback N'Kosi Perry (7) takes a snap during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

In their previous game against UCF Knights on September 7th, FAU struggled with a significant loss of 48-14. The statistics from that game paint a concerning picture; with only one touchdown and two field goals made out of three attempts, it's clear that offensive execution was lacking. The passing game was particularly weak – completing just 45 percent of passes for an average of only about four yards per attempt – and five sacks allowed by the offensive line didn't help matters.


The rushing offense wasn't much better, averaging less than three yards per carry. This lackluster performance resulted in only one rushing touchdown and a mere nine first downs from running plays. On special teams, punting averaged nearly forty yards but with little impact on field position due to a blocked punt and limited success pinning the Knights within their own twenty-yard line.


Defensively, FAU managed only one sack against UCF while giving up numerous points. This indicates that pressure on the quarterback needs to be increased if they hope to disrupt Ball State's offense in the upcoming game.


However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for FAU earlier this season when they faced Ohio State Buckeyes on August 31st. Despite losing 45-21, there were some positives; notably an improved completion percentage (65 percent) in passing plays which yielded over two hundred net yards through air attacks including one touchdown pass.


Looking back further into last year's season provides some hope as well; during their November 24th clash against Charlotte 49ers where they narrowly lost by three points (27-24), FAU showcased strong defensive capabilities with three sacks and an interception while also demonstrating explosive potential in passing plays – highlighted by a seventy-five-yard touchdown pass.


For FAU fans hoping for victory at Scheumann Stadium against Ball State Cardinals, there are areas needing improvement based upon these past performances: bolstering both offensive lines to protect quarterbacks better and create more opportunities for running backs; enhancing defensive strategies to apply more pressure upfront; increasing efficiency inside red zones where scoring chances cannot be squandered; plus sharpening special teams' play especially regarding punts inside opponent’s twenty-yard line.


The Owls have shown flashes of brilliance but consistency is key if they wish to overcome recent setbacks. With focused preparation leading up to this crucial encounter against BALL at Muncie’s renowned venue under Saturday night lights broadcasted live on ESPN+, fans should expect nothing less than full commitment from every player donning Florida Atlantic colors come kickoff time at six o'clock PM local time.

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