FAU defeats Charlotte 31-12 to cap off best regular season in school history

FAU defeated Charlotte 31-12 to finish the regular season 9-3 overall and 8-0 in conference play. It’s the most ever wins FAU has ever had not only in the regular season, but period. By running the table in conference play, FAU becomes the 7th program in Conference USA football history to go undefeated during conference play and just the 4th team ever to reach that mark with an 8-0 record.

FAU didn’t play their best game against Charlotte but it speaks to the talent on the team - or lack of talent on Charlotte - that the Owls were able to play their D game and win by 19 points. FAU fumbled the ball four times, lost two of them, and looked lethargic on offense for the most part. This wasn’t a crisp performance despite the 31 points on the board.

Thankfully, Charlotte was so inept on offense that it didn’t matter. The 49ers gained just 255 yards and 10 first downs on the day. After having a coming out party against FAU last season, Hasaan Klugh was practically shut down as he rushed for 19 yards and one touchdown, while going 10-of-21 for 171 yards.

Devin Singletary had a ho-hum 106 yards for two touchdowns on 19 carries. Jason Driskel had another efficient day through the air, going 18-of-22 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Willie Wright torched the 49ers on the edge as it was clear from the first quarter that he was faster than every defender. Wright had his best game of the season, with nine receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.

The 9th win wasn’t as glamours as the other eight this season, but it’s satisfying nonetheless that FAU showed up and handled business rather easily.

Charlotte closes the 2017 season with a 1-11 record and head coach Brad Lambert will surely be on the hot seat next season. FAU will advance to the Conference USA Championship Game where they will host North Texas, a team they defeated 69-31 earlier in the season.