Week One: Florida Atlantic versus Wagner

Wagner at Florida Atlantic--Florida Atlantic struggled to a 1-11 record in 2011 with the only win coming against fellow bottom-dweller UAB. The Owls were outscored by 21.8 points per game on the season with 7 of their 11 losses coming by 20 or more points. Wagner is a FCS program that went 4-7 while being held to 10 or fewer points in 4 of the Seahawks' 7 losses. Playing a FBS program is a huge step up in competition for the Seahawks.

Offense: Florida Atlantic struggled in 2011 with one of the worst offenses in all of the FBS. The Owls were only able to run for 105 yards per game with a 3.3 yards per carry average and 10 touchdowns. That was good for the 13th worst rushing offense in 2011. The passing game was just as bad last fall with the Owls passing for only 143 yards per game. FAU only passed for 8 touchdowns but threw 16 interceptions on the season. Overall, the offense could only muster 12.9 points per game on the season while being held to 7 or fewer points in six separate games. Wagner struggled on offense as well in 2011 but were able to put up 22.1 points per game against questionable competition. The Seahawks ran for 158 yards per game including 3.8 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns. The passing game was virtually nonexistent with 117 yards per game and 8 touchdowns but 7 interceptions. EDGE: Push

Defense: Florida Atlantic were one of the worst defenses in all of the FBS in giving up 34.7 points per game, good for the 18th worst scoring defense in the nation. Opponents were able to run for 4 yards per carry with 168 yards per game. The run defense gave up 27 touchdowns on the season. The passing defense gave up 223 yards per game with another 19 touchdowns. Wagner was solid versus the run but struggled versus the pass in 2011. The run defense gave up 3.7 yards per carry but 18 touchdowns to go along with 226 yards in the air and 21 touchdowns. EDGE: Push

Coaching: Carl Pelini is the newly minted head coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls after coaching as an assistant since 1987. In 1987, Pelini started at Cardinal Mooney HS before going to Kansas State, Blue Valley HS, Winnetonka HS, Austintown-Fitch HS, Nebraska, Minnesota-Mankato, Ohio, and Nebraska again before getting his first college head coaching job at Florida Atlantic. Walt Hameline is the head coach at Wagner where he has been the head coach since 1981. In his 31 years as the head coach, Hameline has only had 5 losing records with a D-III national championship in 1987. EDGE: Wagner

The two teams have not faced each other previously.

Florida Atlantic had a horrible 2011 with the 1-11 record that saw the Owls get blown out on several occasions. With the influx of Carl Pelini as the head coach, the Owls look to get back to the success of the past. The Owls must win this opening game with matchups versus MTSU (winnable) then Georgia and Alabama. If FAU can show up and win, then a 2-2 start is possible. Look for FAU to struggle but pull off the win versus Wagner.