From the other side, Part 12
November 29, 2007
A big thanks to Ted Hutton of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
1. How much better is Rusty Smith this year?
Much, much better. Last year he really looked like the freshman he was, and was very inconsistent. This year he came in with the job and a whole new attitude and basically took over the offense.
Saturday he set single season records in passing yards and touchdown passes, and did that in 11 games, where they previous leader needed 14 (the year FAU went to the I-AA semifinals).
He’s gotten better each week, as have the players around him.
2. A lot of people picked FAU low (not me). Have they overcome your expectations, or did you see this all along?
I said this would be a breakout year for FAU, and it has been. They had nearly everyone back from last year, and with the QB position stablilized, they were primed. I figured 7-5 if things went well, and that is about where they are.
3. How is FAU on the road vs. at home?
FAU is 3-3 on the road, but 3-0 in Belt games, with losses at Oklahoma State, Florida and Kentucky. The Owls have never really been better on the road or at home. That said, they are 0-3 at Movie Gallery Stadium.
4. What areas of Troy can FAU exploit?
Geez, Troy looks pretty solid on both sides of the ball. I would expect FAU to use some no-huddle and shotgun with Smith rolling out to try and blunt Troy’s blitzes. The line has done a good job of protecting Smith, and I think the key will be the running game. If FAU can make Troy wary of the run, Smith my find some receivers open.
FAU’s defense has been kind of spotty, and Tebow ate them up, and I view Haugabook as the Tebow of the Sun Belt. I would expect them to try and keep him in the pocket so he can’t run wide, and try and make him throw more than he might like. FAU has had at least one interception in 19 straight games, and the corners are really solid, so the Owls don’t mind trying to defend the pass.
5. What areas of FAU can Troy exploit?
FAU’s pass rush has been anemic, so Haugabook may get more time than usual and that might open up some deeper routes. I would test FAU’s run defense. Some teams have had some pretty big nights on the ground, and that would also keep Smith and the offense off the field.
6. Make a prediction
Troy 24, FAU 21. This will be the first big game for most of FAU’s players, and it is in a place the Owls have not fared well at. Troy has more veterans of big games, and has been really stout at home.
Hope it’s a great game, but I think next year will be the year of the Owls. They lose one starter on offense and three on defense and will be tough to handle.
