Devin Singletary’s record day pushes FAU past Old Dominion 52-33

Devin Singletary etched his name in the record books Saturday afternoon to solidify that he’s not only the best back in school, but one of the best players to ever play college football in Florida. Motor passed Alfred Morris to become the all-time leading rusher at FAU, running for 168 yards and two touchdowns to push FAU past Old Dominion for a 52-33 win.

After struggling to put away ODU for much of the second half, Motor’s 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter ensured that there would be no late-game shenanigans. Motor now has 3,568 career rushing yards, 58 career touchdowns, 20 straight games with a rushing touchdown, and the most rushing touchdown of any Florida native in college football history, passing Florida Gators legend and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow.

After a devastating loss last week where we saw the Owls blow an 18-point lead to Middle Tennessee, FAU came out with a sense of urgency and scored on their first drive as Chris Robison found Harrison Bryant for a five-yard touchdown. The consistency on offense however, just wasn’t there again for the Owls. Uneven play on offense and a stout defense would be the theme for much of the game.

Robison threw for 339 yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers, continuing to show that he plays much better at home this season. Harrison Bryant was phenomenal, finishing with six catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time we saw Bryant consistently being used as more than a check down receiver, as he lined up as a receiver multiple times when Robsion dropped back as a passer. Without Bryant’s play, we’re probably looking at much closer finish.

The defense suffocated ODU’s offense for a half, holding them to six points. The damn would leak in the second half after a dubious targeting call forced Azeez Al-Shaair to miss the remainder of the game.

ODU took advantage by outscoring the Owls 14-6 in the third quarter and were down 32-27 early in the fourth quarter after a Kesean Strong touchdown run. From that point on FAU outscored ODU 20-6 as Singletary and Kerrith Whyte would grind down the ODU defense. The Owls would finish the game with 266 rushing yards and five touchdowns. FAU finished the game with 605 total yards. ODU would finish 508 yards.

FAU has now won 10 straight games at FAU Stadium. With a 3-3 record and 1-1 record in conference play, the Owls remain in the hunt for a second straight bowl game and a second straight conference title. Old Dominion is now 1-5, 0-3, and will try to keep their bowl hopes alive against Marshall at home.