A lack of offense keeps FAU from program-defining upset against Florida

On fourth and goal from the nine-yard line FAU had a chance at history. A program-defining win over the flagship school in the state of Florida would have been a win for the history books.

Alas history had other ideas.

Jaquez Johnson's pass fell to the turf. Gator fans went crazy. Game over. Florida wins. FAU loses. Just like how it was supposed to be.

Despite a valiant effort by the Florida Atlantic defense, the Owls' offense was unable find any success against the eighth ranked Florida Gators as UF would go on to win 20-14 in overtime to keep their faint hopes of a playoff bid alive.

Even with the loss I am extremely proud.

Throughout the season Owl fans have wanted to see tangible growth from this team.

On Saturday afternoon Charlie Partridge, his coaching staff, and the football team delivered.

The close losses that have been suffered during Partridge's tenure are soon coming to an end. We just have to endure one more before the results start to change.

Trey Hendrickson, Trevon Coley, and Brandin Bryant were awesome throughout the day as the defense held Florida to 252 total yards, forced two turnovers, had five sacks and scored the game tying touchdown as Ocie Ross would recover a Treon Harris fumble in the end zone.

The FAU defense all season has done enough to put FAU in position to win games and this game was no different.

But as has been the case all season, the offense has been unable to do their part.

FAU battled all game as Florida never led by more than seven points but the offense failed to capitalize several times to take the lead before falling in overtime.

The offense finished with 299 total yards of offense. Against a great defense like Florida that's pretty good. But still you can't help but wanting more considering what was on the line.

During the postgame interview Jim McElwain said FAU deserved to win today. That we played like the better.

Considering his comments about how FAU had a bunch of players who wish they were playing in Gainesville I bet his perception of FAU will change going forward.

A program-defining win was within grasps today.

Out of the two victories this team has won this year, I will gladly take this one as the most satisfying one.

I just wish the win column would have reflected it.