The Florida Atlantic Owls now stand at 1-3 after a hard-fought game against the Illinois Fighting Illini, who improved their record to 2-2. The final score was 17-23 in favor of the home team.

Sep 23, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Devin Price (7) makes a reception in front of Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

At Memorial Stadium, the Florida Atlantic Owls displayed a resilient effort against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Despite outscoring their opponents 10-0 in the first quarter, the Owls were unable to maintain their lead as they went scoreless in both the second and third quarters while allowing 14 and nine points respectively. The fourth quarter saw a resurgence from FAU with seven points, but it wasn't enough to secure victory.

FAU's offense accumulated a total of 353 yards with an average gain of 4.8 yards per play over 73 plays. The passing game contributed significantly with quarterback stats showing two touchdowns and one interception from a total of 49 attempts resulting in completions for an average of five yards per pass and netting them nine first downs. Their longest pass was recorded at 34 yards, while their longest touchdown covered a distance of just under half that length at 19 yards.

Sep 23, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Devin Price (7) makes a reception in front of Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Xavier Scott (14) then races down the line during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

On defense, FAU managed four sacks totaling losses of twenty-two yards for Illinois and forced two fumbles which they recovered both times; however, no interceptions were made during this encounter. In terms of rushing defense, FAU held back Illinois' ground game effectively as well.

Special teams played its part too; although one field goal attempt was missed out of two tries – making only one from within twenty-nine yards – extra point kicks were successful on both occasions following touchdowns scored by FAU's offense.

Sep 23, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Zachary Tobe (5) breaks up a pass reception by Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Je'Quan Burton (8) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The punt unit had six attempts resulting in an impressive average distance covered per punt rounding up to fifty-one net yards after returns are accounted for; four punts landed inside the twenty-yard line without any being blocked or returned for touchdowns.

Penalties seemed relatively controlled with only six infractions costing FAU fifty-four penalty yards throughout this contest – not exceeding ten penalties or reaching one hundred penalty yardage which could have been detrimental to their efforts on field position battles during critical moments within this close encounter between these collegiate teams.

Looking ahead for fans eager to support their team once again: The next game will see Florida Atlantic Owls hosting Tulsa Golden Hurricane at FAU Stadium located in Boca Raton, FL on October seventh year twenty-three scheduled kick-off time is set for five PM Eastern Time zone broadcasted live via ESPN+.

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