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FAU Comes From Behind To Defeat UTEP 35-31

For the first time in the Partridge era, FAU has a winning streak.

UTEP v Florida Atlantic Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images

Trailing 31-28 with just over two minutes left in the game FAU needed to go 96 yards in order to win the game.

Over the past few years this game has ended in a heartbreaking loss for FAU. Last night that wasn’t case.

Driskel found Nate Terry in the back of the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown score to give FAU the game-winning touchdown. For the first time under Charlie Partridge FAU now has a winning a streak.

On the game winning drive Driskel was 7-8 for 68 yards while rushing twice for 13 yards. Throughout the season the fan base has clamored for Daniel Parr to see more reps but after tonight’s clutch performance it’s clear why Driskel is the starter and should be the guy going forward.

In Daniel Parr’s spot rep he looked flustered once again and forced a throw into double coverage which was picked off.

On the game-winning drive Driskel displayed poise, mobility, and toughness as he stood in the pocket with linebackers in his face to float a beautiful pass to Terry. Driskel finished the game going 20-25 with 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Driskel wasn’t asked to do much thanks to another great day by Singletary but when his number was called he delivered.

Singletary continues to amaze as he rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Kalib Woods led all receivers with eight catches for 104 yards.

Although last week’s win against Rice was great, this win was more satisfying. FAU outscored UTEP 15-7 in the final quarter. We all know how much the team has struggled to win close games under Partridge and this come from behind win against a Conference USA opponent shows that FAU is taking the right steps to get better.

Just like last season, FAU displayed massive improvement towards the end of the season and now they are trending in that direction once again. We wanted tangible evidence that the program is still trending up and with just about all of last night’s key contributors slated to return next year, we can be confident that we still are headed in the right direction thanks to this two-game winning streak.

Two weeks ago there was doom and gloom around the program but for the first time in Partridge’s tenure I think the team really believes in itself and is playing up to their potential.

Heading into the season I thought FAU should have no less than five wins and with two games left to play against a good Old Dominion team at home and a reeling Middle Tennessee team on the road that goal is still attainable.

With the win FAU moves to 3-7 and 2-4 in conference play and has now matched their season win total last year. With the loss UTEP is now eliminated from bowl eligibility.