Florida Atlantic University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. 

·        Run/Pass %: 54/46

·        Run/Pass Attempts: 399/342

·        Points Per Game: 16.8

·        Points Allowed Per Game: 29.2

Key Returning Players:

·        Alfred Morris, RB: With no returning QB to take the pressure off the running game, Morris will have to improve his totals to the 1200 yard range for FAU to be successful.

·        Yourhighness Morgan, LB: Leading Returning tackler among linebackers in his R-Fr. year. Had 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack along with over 40 tackles.

·        Marcus Bartels, DB: Leading returning tackler among defensive players on FAU. Played and started all 12 games with 2 INTs.

·        Chris Newbold, OL: The leading OL returning starters with 10 starts under his belt last season. He is the main component of the OL and must be the leader of the line.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

·        Florida Atlantic has a philosophy of redshirting every freshman that comes in unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Expect maybe 2 or 3 players to not be redshirted but with the Owls, it’s hard to say until the season begins.

 

Overall Assessment: Last year was seen as a rebuilding season for the Owls and no one can argue after a 4-8 season. Even with the constant redshirting, the returning starters are few and far between. Offensively, the major loss of last year’s starting QB forces them to focus on the running game and be closer to the 60/40 run pass splits of a true Pro Style offense. The running game got decent yardage but Alfred Morris will need to break the 1000 yard barrier to give the QB time to feel comfortable in the pocket. Defensively, they may have quite a good player in R-So. Yourhighness Morgan. He is young and experienced and may have a shot at All-Sun Belt before his time at FAU is over. Senior Marcus Bartels will be taking the field for the final time this season and if last year was any indication look for All-Sun Belt honors to be bestowed upon him after the 2011 season. The kicking game will be a source of competition thoughout the summer and possibly into the fall as none of the kickers on roster have any game experience. The punter from last season returns but a big question mark is protection as 3 punts were blocked last season.