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The season is over. I understand that there are nine games left on the schedule and conference play has yet to begin but the season is over.
In Jason Driskel's first career start, FAU lost to Buffalo 33-15 as Buffalo scored 26 points off of five FAU turnovers. Over the span of two games since Driskel has been the signal caller FAU has turned over the ball 10 times (five fumbles, five interceptions).
FAU led 9-7 at halftime but you couldn't help but feel FAU was going to find a way to lose this game after a Jay Warren fumble was returned 60 yards for a touchdown right before the half.
FAU's next four possessions to start the third quarter: fumble, interception, punt, safety. The Bulls would outscore the Owls 19-0 during this stretch of offensive futility. Ball game.
The Owls out gained Buffalo in yardage (490-290), gained more first downs (27-13), and ran more plays (90-65). FAU was without start quarterback Jaquez Johnson due to injury but this was a good enough performance on offense to win a game if the Owls simply take care of the ball, especially since the defense was playing lights out.
Trevon Coley, Brandin Bryant, and Nick Internicola were great in the first half as Buffalo had 106 total yards of offense at halftime, recorded a safety, forced a turnover, and allowed 105 passing yards for the game. Just like last week against Miami, this lost isn't on them.
This lost falls on the offense. Buffalo's defense outscored FAU's offense 26-15.
The rushing attack looked good, but Warren and Howell fumbled the ball for a second consecutive game. Driskel threw the ball 55 times for 285 yards, two touchdown, and one interception. Buffalo's defense outscored FAU's offense 26-15.
The Owls will travel to Charlotte next week in what will be an electric atmosphere as the 49ers will host their first game as a member of Conference USA.
FAU fans have to be concerned about the trajectory of this program heading into conference play. The Owls have now lost eight straight games dating back to last season and currently sits at 0-3 for the season.