FAU lost to Western Kentucky, 32-31 in overtime. It was a nailbiter of a game. It was competitive and a moral victory for the FAU team. Western Kentucky had the #2 offense in Conference USA and had been putting up almost 40 points per game all season. FAU was 1-5 on the road but 4-1 at home.
They needed a win to qualify for bowl eligibility but more than anything, to beat a really good team. FAU had a chance to win the game in regulation with a Field Goal but couldn’t convert. Finally, Western Kentucky scored a two-point conversion to win the game. Below is the story of the game.
FAU lost to Western Kentucky last year 52-17
The Owls got wallopped in Bowling Green last season 52-17. Western Kentucky came into Saturday’s game with the second ranked offense and defense in Conference USA. Florida Atlantic showed against UCF that they couldn’t deal with elite speed, so Western Kentucky on paper, was set to put up 50 again. Western Kentucky’s quarterback, Austin Reed, was ranked #1 in Conference USA with 36 TD’s and 10 Int’s.
See the Conference USA stats here. In FAU’s last game, they got throttled by Middle Tennessee State. The loss dropped them to 1-5 on the road. They had a close game against UTEP and Purdue but fell apart against other teams. The only saving grace on the season was their record at home (4-1). They beat Rice and then beat a really good team in UAB at home. But Western Kentucky, mostly based on the beating they gave the Owls last year, was “the bully” that was coming into Boca to take the win by force.
FAU youngsters played hard
The Owls team matched Western Kentucky score for score. The Hilltoppers went up 7-0 on a 45-yard touchdown catch by sophomore Malachi Corley. The offense answered on the next drive, converting a 3rd & 1 at the Western Kentucky 18 with an 18 yard touchdown pass from N’Kosi Perry to Jamal Edrine. FAU’s defense gained momentum on the next drive by stopping Western Kentucky on 4th down.
But the Hilltoppers answered back with the teams trading two punts between the other on the next drives. Malachi Corley struck again in the third quarter, catching a 46 yard touchdown from Austin Reed. FAU’s offense went on the field and their star running back, Larry McCammon ran for a 48-yard touchdown to tie the score. Western Kentucky got a field goal, then FAU got a field goal.
The game goes into overtime
At the start of the fourth, FAU’s offense scored first with McCammon capping a 5 play, 62 yard drive. Western Kentucky played the pursuer, taking their offense on the field and scoring on a Jalen Hall, 22-yard touchdown pass from Reed. FAU had the ball last, driving to the Western Kentucky 36 yard line with time running out. They couldn’t get past the 36 yard line and kicker Corey Davis went out to win the game with a field goal, but pushed it wide and the game went into overtime.
In overtime, the Owls got the ball and N’Kosi Perry tried to push the dagger into Western Kentucky with a quick strike touchdown pass to Jamal Edrine to go up 31-24. Austin Reed showed everyone why he is the conference leader and the best player on the Hilltoppers, running for a touchdown from 1 yard out. Finally, Western Kentucky decided to go for the win and the two point attempt. Reed successfully passed to Joshua Simon from three yards out to snatch victory from the Owls.
What’s next for FAU
The FAU Owls are a young team. I highlight that in a previous article here. The obvious take here is that the players underestimated playing on the road versus playing at home. The players didn’t have the maturity to carry out their assignments and game plan in opposing stadiums but they were able to focus better at home. Unfortunately, in college football, road games and home games count the same. FAU competed very tough against Western Kentucky and it should be lauded. They held an offense that averaged 35.8 points per game to 24 (I’m not counting overtime.) It wasn’t enough and the team and fans carry this bitter loss into the offseason.
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