Florida Atlantic Removes WKU From Atop C-USA East With Win In Bowling Green

Despite the Florida Atlantic Owls only gaining four more total yards than the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, Lane Kiffin’s team were victorious by a final score of 35-24.

Four turnovers committed by the WKU offense were the difference maker in this game. Hilltopper quarterback Ty Storey threw three interceptions, two of which were to quarterback James Pierre and one to Zyon Gilbert. Storey also lost a fumble in the second quarter, which was returned for a touchdown by the FAU defense.

Prior to those mistakes, the Tops jumped out to a 14-0 lead. FAU quickly bounced back with the aforementioned fumble touchdown, followed by a touchdown run by Larry McCammon and touchdown pass from Chris Robison to Tavaris Harrison. FAU took that 21-14 lead into halftime.

The Owls began the second half with a touchdown drive ended by arguably the play of the game. Chris Robison connected with a very open Willie Wright for a 51-yard touchdown.

The tops would add 14 more points to make it a four-point game in the fourth quarter. FAU would add a Nick Tronti touchdown run and Storey would throw two more interceptions to finish the game.

WKU’s normally dependable rushing attack was held in check with only 64 yards in this game. The biggest offensive performance for WKU came from Lucky Jackson who caught nine balls for a career high 194 receiving yards and a touchdown.

On the FAU side, Chris Robison finished the day 18/29 for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Another commendable feat for the FAU offense was keeping DeAngelo Malone out of his havoc causing ways, for the most part. He had ten tackles in this game, but only one was for a loss and he hurried Robison three times.

Two weeks ago, the Tops looked like the definitive front runners for the division. Now their momentum seems to have swung to FAU who are now the winners of two straight.

The now bowl eligible Owls try to make it three in a row next Saturday (11/9) when they host FIU. The Hilltoppers head to Fayetteville for a game against Arkansas that same day.