FAU Loses In Heartbreaking fashion (again); Tulsa wins 47-44 In OT

Throughout the summer we were told this year's edition of FAU football would be different.

That the defensive line will be a force.

That the reputation surrounding FAU's on the field performance would change.

That last season's four close loses would turn into close wins.

A week into the season and all of those proclamations appear to be sweet talk. FAU is the same old, same old.

Tulsa defeated FAU 47-44 in overtime. Despite winning the turnover battle 4-0, if you watched the game the Owls were the ones continuing to shoot themselves in the foot as they committed 13 penalties for 130 yards. Many of the penalties, resulted in the Owls settling for three, rather than six.

While FAU's offense did enough to win the game by racking up 563 yards of total offense, the defense did not. Tulsa gained 618 yards with a majority of it coming against FAU's young secondary as 424 of Golden Hurricane's offensive yards were through the air via Dane Evans.

After jumping out to an early 7-0 lead in the first thanks to Greg 'Buddy' Howell's 11 yard touchdown run, Tulsa scored 21 straight points as Dane Evans threw two touchdowns and passed for one in the span of six minutes.

FAU battled back after losing the lead as they outscored Tulsa 21-7 in the third quarter. With the lead and the ball to start the final quarter, it appeared FAU was on their way to solving their road demons and getting a much needed win before they host Miami next week.

But conservative play calling and a tired defense sparked a Tulsa comeback as they forced the game into overtime.

FAU has the talent to win games. That's no longer the issue. The question now is whether they actually believe they can win. Especially in a hostile environment. Tonight the answer was no.

After starting last season 0-2, the Owls will be looking down the barrel once again with Miami (FL) coming to Boca Raton next week in what will be the most important game in FAU history.