Vol. 24 | 1 | 08.23.21
Staff Editor-in-Chief: Gillian Manning
Managing Editor: Kendall Little
Sports Editor: Richard Pereira
Web Editor:
Marcy Wilder
News Editor:
Natalia Ribeiro
Features Editor: Darlene Antoine
Photo Editor:
Eston Parker III
4 Penny for Your Thoughts
Creative Director:
Michelle Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Copy Desk Chief: Bryanna Shaw
6 No Problem is Too Small for CAPS 8 Greek Life: More than Family
Entertainment Editor: Elliot Rodriguez
Social Media Manager:
Michael Gennaro Katherine Ambrosio Villegas
Advisers:
Wesley Wright Ilene Prusher Want to Get Involved? Contact: Marcy Wilder Email: mwilder2019@fau.edu General Meetings: Friday 2-3 P.M. 214 Student Union Want to place an ad? For national/regional ads contact: Leen Obeidat flytedesk inc (970) 541-0894 | leen@flytedesk.com Publisher: FAU Student Government. The opinions expressed by the UP are not necessarily those of the student body, student government, or FAU.
10 Swords Up, Boards Up 13 Football Preseason Preview
Sign up for Catching you UP! University Press’s official newsletter catching you up with all things FAU! Cover Art: Michelle Rodriguez-Gonzalez
2 | FAU Declassified
Digital version with exclusive stories available at upressonline.com
Welcome back, Owls! This is an exciting time for Florida Atlantic University. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of FAU, when the state legislature granted funding to build Florida’s fifth public university in Boca Raton. This fall also is the first time we will be back together since March 2020. I hope you are as happy as I am to return for a traditional in-person instruction and campus experience. In early August, I sent an email recommending that everyone wear face coverings when inside our buildings or when outside in large groups. I also requested that everyone get vaccinated. I want to reiterate the importance of both of these efforts in ensuring a safe and healthy campus environment this fall. We can move forward together if we work together to help stop the spread of this virus. For information about the vaccines, please visit www.fau.edu/coronavirus/vaccine. I know you’ve missed out on a lot over the past year and a half, and I want to assure you that the faculty, staff and I are dedicated to providing you with the most engaging collegiate experience possible. Our offices, classrooms and other facilities are open, and we are ready to make it a great year. I look forward to seeing you on campus as we move forward together. Go Owls! John Kelly FAU President
Letter from the President | 3
Darlene Antoine Alumni share advice to incoming freshman and students transitioning from remote to in-person courses. The concept of the college experience is a long-held tale permeated with ideas of long-lasting memories, friendships, and academic achievements. Whether it was pulling an all-nighter in a dorm room or studying alongside a cup of overpriced Starbucks coffee, the promise of new experiences and opportunities emerged with each day. However, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the concept of the common college experience from in-person meetings to virtual lectures and lessons. To commemorate the upcoming arrival of the new students, members of the campus community had a few words of advice as students navigate their academic and personal journeys once arriving on campus at FAU for the first time. Natalia Boltinskaia, a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism, explained that the passage of time moves quickly when you first enter college and before realizing it, college has come and gone in a blink of an eye. “As a freshman, I wish I knew how fast time actually flies. I remember my first day at FAU as if it was yesterday, and I wish I could repeat it all over again and appreciate the time I spent at FAU even more. I wish I knew how important it was to communicate with FAU staff, professors and make a lot of friends and connections to succeed in your life,” said Boltinskaia. 4 | FAU Declassified
Jordan Zielinski, Finance, December 2020
Jordan Zielinski, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance, shared a similar sentiment as he explained that it is important to make as many connections as possible with those inside and outside of the classroom. “I wish I knew as a freshman the importance of reaching out to your professors so they know you on a first-name basis and that you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help as most are more than willing to help with not only classwork but advice for future classes or your career,” Zielinski said. “Meeting fellow classmates is also extremely important. It allows for a quicker way to get help in a class and could lead to great connections for your future career and lifelong friendships.”
When asked about incoming students who are transitioning from remote to in-person schooling, former student Shelby Klein, who graduated with a bachelor’s in communication studies, suggested that freshmen should consider their schedules. “My advice for incoming freshmen transitioning from remote to in-person learning is to have a mix of in-person classes and distance-learning classes in their schedules. This would help them ease into the transition,” Klein said. Boltinskaia gave a different take, as she proposed that incoming freshmen should try to be flexible with the change and prioritize time management. “I know a transition from remote to back in person can be very difficult, and my advice is to accept it and find a way to deal with it. For example, time management is one of the important skills that you can use to succeed in your life. Use a planner, write down what you have to do and include how much time it will consume,” Boltinskaia said. Both Blotinskaia and Klein expressed that their worst experiences centered around the challenges of stress and classes. They urged incoming freshmen to try their best to navigate their priorities between academics and personal experiences. Zielinski, however, had a different perspective on the worst part of his college experience. “The worst thing about college was the Atlantic Dining Hall. While I met a ton of amazing people in the Atlantic Dining Hall and have some great memories from it, the food really made me miss a home-cooked meal,” Zielinski said. Despite the trials and tribulations of college, Boltinskaia expressed that her very first arrival at FAU was the most memorable experience. She advised that any incoming freshman should do their best to not only cherish what is to come, but also be courageous on their new journey. “All my best memories started from the first day I arrived at FAU. The first year at college for me is the most memorable one, to live in a freshman dorm, to meet new people every day, and to find out something new about myself. The first year is the best because everything is so new,” Boltinskaia said. “My advice to the incoming freshman class is to enjoy and appreciate the time in college as much as possible. Be brave and not afraid of new beginnings because it is not where you start, it is where you finish.”
Shelby Klein (left), major in communication studies and graduated Spring 2021. Natalia Boltinskaia (right), major in hospitality management and tourism, and graduating Fall 2021.
Penny for your Thoughts | 5
Kendall Little The university’s Counseling And Psychological Services center wants to speak to students about any issue in their lives, from break-ups to burnout. Kathryn Kominars is going to start making home visits in the fall. The director of FAU’s counseling center won’t be knocking on your door, but she and her staff will sit in the lobby of your residence halls – willing to talk for free about whatever bothers you.
“A couple of years ago, I met with one student who was going through a breakup, and we met a total of three times over the course of a month to assist her through the intensity of the experience that she was having with the loss of the relationship,” Kominars said.
Kominars has been leading FAU’s Counseling And Psychological Services center, better known as CAPS, since 2019. She knew one of the big problems with campus counseling centers is that students think they only exist to handle big problems.
Break-ups, loneliness, and burnout are just a few things that students can discuss with CAPS – even just the anxiety of moving to a new place, as Raya Levine found out. The junior marketing major headed to CAPS after her freshman orientation and was able to make substantial progress with her mental health.
Kominars wants to sweat the small stuff. Why? Because she believes no problem is too small for CAPS.
6 | FAU Declassified
“The thing I was able to get the most help with was control over my anxiety,” she said. “That was something that I was struggling really hard with due to starting a school in a new state and not knowing anyone.”
During the pandemic, CAPS moved online to continue assisting students. “Once we got into COVID, they helped me with anxiety during work and having to live with family [that] I’ve never lived with before. I was having panic attacks multiple times a month when I never got them before,” Levine said. “I was able to stop them due to the techniques I was taught.” Kominars wants to teach students strategies to better their mental health daily, not just during sessions. The American College Health Association, an organization that advocates for college students’ mental and physical well-being, reported that 53.3% of college students felt lonely and 82.3% of students felt moderate to high levels of stress.
Students who felt lonely.
Students who felt moderate to high levels of stress.
Kominars said the easiest way to combat everyday stressors is to create and stick to a schedule.
“Be intentional about your time, and honest with yourself about what needs to get done today and what can wait,” she said.
“I think it’s really important for people to schedule themselves so they’re not going to be so tired that they feel burnt out,” she said.
Saltzburg wants students to know that counseling isn’t only for huge issues or those with mental illnesses.
She recommends planning out your time analytically and strategically. “Plan it out in the same kind of way that you would if you were doing a research project - beginning and middle and end,” Kominars said. “Do that with all the classes that you have, and then see what time you have leftover, and then allocate that to the other things that are important [like] exercise, making some friends, and being involved in the community.” Taking part in fun college activities such as tailgating and club meetings may seem appealing, but Kominars urges students to finish their classwork before going out to have fun. “When people are procrastinating, if they’re doing things that are sort of fun, they’re not as much fun as they would be if they had done the things that are bothering them,” she said. “If you do the task and then play, you have a lot more fun playing without the burden hanging over your head.” The director of outreach at CAPS, Nikki Saltzburg, wants to help students with time allocation so that they’re able to enjoy their college experience.
“The college years are a demanding time in a student’s life, often marked with multiple increased responsibilities and transitions. Counseling can help students get support and learn new ways of dealing with challenges,” she said. “I always tell students that if they are feeling stuck in any aspect of their lives, it is worth it to come speak to a counselor for support and guidance.”
“We don’t spend time diagnosing people because that’s not what we’re about,” Kominars said. “We spend time really helping people go from where they are to where they want to be.” That’s what CAPS is all about—improving a student’s life by working out issues, no matter how big or small. “We have a focus on meeting people where they are, helping them develop their strengths, helping them identify their goals, looking at some of the challenges, and helping them function more effectively,” Kominars said. “It’s not about mental illness, it’s about mental well-being.”
Issues that may seem small can become daunting quickly. Saltzburg recommends that students visit CAPS while their issues still seem minuscule. “I would much prefer a student to come see me before an issue becomes a crisis rather than to wait until it escalates,” she said. “We live in an unpredictable and unjust world and it is normal to struggle at times, particularly if we are experiencing things like loss, discrimination, trauma, rejection, or other stressors. While some may see seeking help as a weakness, I think it can be one of our greatest strengths because I have never met anyone who could do it all on their own.” The CAPS staff ’s main goal is to help students succeed at FAU by bettering their mental health.
No Problem is Too Small for CAPS | 7
Natalia Ribeiro Joining a chapter brings more than just friendships and experiences.
When students arrive on campus, one thing they may notice is Greek organizations tabling during Club Week. FAU is home to 27 Greek chapters which are broken down into 12 sororities and 15 fraternities. Valerie Malfa, president of the College Panhellenic Association, said that a sorority offers more than just opportunities. “Genuine lifelong friendships, networking opportunities inside and outside of FAU, exciting leadership opportunities of different levels, fun philanthropy events, and mentorship are just some of the amazing benefits of joining a sorority,” said Malfa. “Sisterhood is forever; there are even alumni membership opportunities in the local area and across the country for individual organizations.” Each Greek chapter recruits new members during recruitment week within the first month of the fall semester. For the spring semester, recruitment week is open for the chapters that have open spots for new members. Recruitment offers prospective members the opportunity to learn about the costs, events, and general information of the different sororities or fraternities on campus. William Powell, treasurer of Lambda Alpha Upsilon, received an internship offer because of the support of the brotherhood and resources provided by the fraternity. 8 | FAU Declassified
Alpha Ulipson Members take a moment to pose.
List of Sororities and Fraternities Sororities
Fraternities
Alpha Delta Pi Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Psi Lambda (Co-ed) Alpha Xi Delta Delta Phi Epsilon Delta Sigma Theta Lambda Alpha Theta Phi Mu Sigma Gamma Rho Sigma Kappa Theta Phi Alpha Zeta Phi Beta
Alpha Epsilon Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Psi Lambda (Co-ed) Delta Tau Delta Kappa Alpha Psi Lambda Alpha Upsilon Omega Psi Phi Phi Beta Sigma Phi Delta Theta Pi Kappa Alpha Pi Kappa Phi Sigma Beta Rho
“I had the opportunity to gain three leadership positions which assisted me in achieving organizational and personal goals, by which I was able to receive an out-of-state internship offer for one of the big four accounting firms,” said Powell.
Diamelys Vargas, external vice president and associate member educator of Alpha Psi Lambda, always told herself that she wouldn’t be a part of Greek life because she had her own ideas of what it would be like. At an FAU FUTUROS retreat, Vargas met a member of Alpha Psi Lambda. It was then that she did more research and decided that the chapter was a fit for her. Although her process was during the pandemic, she wouldn’t change it for the world.
After a new member joins Greek life, there are dues that they must pay. Each chapter has its own set of costs that are paid differently from each other, but should a member have financial hardships, “I loved finally having people in my life there are resources to help them. that wanted the best for me and pushed Fabio Cabrera, vice president of Lambda me to be the best person,” said Vargas. “I found sisterhood, brotherhood, personal Alpha Upsilon, lost his job when he was growth, amazing friendships, and the funnipledging to the fraternity. Pledging happens after a new member has chosen to est memories.” commit to a Greek chapter but isn’t fully Madeline Friedman, vice president of initiated. Lambda Alpha Upsilon wanted communications of the College PanhellenCabrera to be a part of the chapter and ic Association, said she wouldn’t have met found ways for him to pay his fee. the people who she now calls her second “They were extremely considerate of the family if she hadn’t gone Greek. circumstances that weren’t in my control at all,” said Cabrera.
Sigma Chi Sigma Phi Epsilon Sigma Nu
“No matter where I go in life, I will always have my Panhellenic sisters. Going Greek helped me find the person in myself that I’ve always wanted to be,” Friedman said. Members are encouraged to go out and support other chapters as each organization holds events throughout the school year in support of their philanthropies. “There is always something to do within the Greek community,” Malfa said. For new members looking to join, Vargas said it can be tempting to pledge with your friends, but it’s okay not to fit into the same chapter as them. Vargas said, “Do what’s best for you!” Students can learn more about the different Greek chapters on the Fraternity and Sorority site fau.edu/fslife.
Greek Life: More than Family | 9
Foam Fighting Club
Elliot Rodriguez The Foam Fighting club, Surf club, and Fencing club offer an inside scoop on their competitive organizations.
The Foam Fighting club welcomes all walks of life, whether you’re someone who’s serious about the sport or just looking to hit some people with foam weapons.
Colleges such as University of South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University have also started to incorporate foam fighting at their campuses. The universities even hold duels against one another, to see which university has the strongest warriors.
The on-campus organization is located primarily on the housing lawn or the Henderson field, according to club President Hadley Biederman. The Foam Fighting club serves as a way for students to destress as well as experience a new sport.
Due to the pandemic, the university Foam Fighting club has not been able to hold any fights during this past year. However, some members have held their own practices while following COVID-19 guidelines.
“The best part of the club is how easy-going it is,” Jailene Rivas, a senior majoring in civil engineering, said. “Everyone there enjoys fighting with different weapons, socializing, and sometimes showing off their craftsman skills in costumes.”
Biederman said that he and his team will be planning on taking full advantage of the upcoming year since FAU will be resuming on-campus learning as stated in an email by President John Kelly. Students can look forward to regular practices and battles as the fall semester begins.
The club mainly plays a mix between Belegarth and Amtgard. Belegarth is an all-out war that focuses strictly on combat between opposing sides, whereas Amtgard is a live-action fantasy roleplaying combat game that is more geared towards LARPing (Live Action Role Playing). Biederman said that the club was founded by Nick “Raven” Valencia and David “Ferret” Wichinsky back in 2016. They go by code names instead of their real names due to the culture of the game as a way to bring out a player’s alter ego when they are fighting.
10 | FAU Declassified
Surf Club The beach is definitely a local hotspot here in Florida and the Surf Club is looking for some people to catch some waves with them.
While the Surf Club offers excitement and adventure, Shogren also noted the club’s familial atmosphere.
“People should join the club to have some great fun on the beautiful beaches of Boca and meet super cool people. Surfing definitely is one of the most difficult and fun sports in the world, and there’s gonna be lots of opportunities over this semester to learn in the club with others and have a great time overall,” Ethan Garcia, a member of the Surf Club, said.
“I came to FAU and knew no one in fall, and in the spring semester I made hundreds of friends at the club. The interesting part is, you don’t have to have any background in the club, just be yourself and you’ll fit right in,” Shogren said.
The Surf Club will be fully active for the fall semester along with its separate Surf Team.
Since surfing is an off-campus sport, they do not have a facility on campus. The best way to contact the FAU Surf Club is through Instagram, @fau_surf_ club.
“The Surf Club is for all backgrounds, experienced and not so experienced,” the president and founder of the Surf Club, Tucker Shogren, said. However, the Surf Team and the Surf Club are two separate entities. While the club is for anyone to join, the Surf Team is more for the experienced surfer. Tryouts for the Surf Team are scheduled to be held sometime in September, although it could be subject to change depending on the team’s sponsors and whether or not swells are good. Although the Surf Team requires a lot of effort, Shogren is passionate about both the club and the team. He is making sure that everyone gets an equal opportunity to ride a wave. “You could be from Kansas or Hawaii, we don’t care where you’re from… I think everyone should catch a wave,” Shogren said. The club will provide a long foam board for everyone who wants to surf; team members, however, usually provide their own board. Being so close to the beach offers universities like FAU the opportunity to take advantage of the location and make the most out of it.
Swords Up, Boards Up | 11
Fencing Club Fencing is the duel between swords, a one-on-one match up to see who will be victorious and claim all the glory. Now if that seems like it’s a little too much, don’t worry, FAU’s Fencing Club will have new members ready for battle before no time. Benjamin Venegas, president of the Fencing Club, wants people to know that, “It’s not as scary as it looks… We take lots of precautions to make sure that everyone is safe and comfortable.” Venegas was drawn to the art of fencing during his freshman year when he took a tour around campus and happened to see the Fencing Club practice in the stadium. He was hooked by how different the sport was compared to others. “The FAU Fencing Club not only taught me everything I needed to know about fencing, it also taught me leadership skills and provided me with lifelong friendships,” member Mariangel Hernandez said. When Venegas joined the Fencing Club, it was more casual. Before COVID-19 hit, he had been working on getting the club a little more competitive, but complications with the pandemic had set his plans back. The club is going to try and be as active as they can. Venegas said that they will follow CDC guidelines and as long as you are vaccinated, you are fine. Although FAU plans to return to normal functions in the fall, Venegas wants to be safe rather than sorry. With COVID-19 still around, it seems Venegas wants to play it safe yet offer the full fencing experience. “I don’t want to be too restricting, but I will ask other clubs to see what they will do as well,” Venegas said. No prior experience is needed for club members to join. The club is located in the rec-center either at the regular gym or the Mac gym, Venegas said. The club offers members equipment that is readily available, such as jackets that cover your upper torso, undergarments that go underneath the jacket, and gloves. The blades and helmets differ from the types of fencing styles there are. “I have always wanted to learn fencing, and joining the Fencing Club has been a great experience. I have so much fun and enjoy making friends here,” club member Kayla Cole said.
12 | FAU Declassified
Eston Parker III In his first season as head coach at FAU, Willie Taggart and his Owls endured a chaotic 2020 season which initially had 12 scheduled games yet only eight regular-season games were played. Following a topsy-turvy start to the season in which the Owls began with a 5-1 record amidst four games being canceled due to COVID-19 protocols, they lost their final three games which concluded with a tough 25-10 defeat to Memphis in the Montgomery Bowl. Taggart and his Owls have since brought in some new faces, both within the coaching staff and the playing roster. Among the coaching changes, last season’s defensive coordinator, Jim Leavitt, left to assume the same position at Southern Methodist University. Mike Stoops has stepped in as Leavitt’s replacement, becoming FAU’s fifth defensive coordinator in five years. John Bills was hired as FAU’s new tight ends coach following the departure of Drew Mehringer, who also served as co-offensive coordinator. Ed Warinner replaces Jeff Norrid as the offensive line coach, following Norrid’s departure to Louisiana. Lastly, amongst the coaching changes, former Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Hines Ward has joined the staff as a “special assistant to the head coach” and will work directly with wide receivers coach Joey Thomas.
Sept. 4 vs. Florida The Owls will begin the season in what many consider to be one of the toughest environments for visiting teams to play at, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, also known as “The Swamp.” This will be the fourth matchup between the Owls and the Gators, with the last game occurring in 2016 when the Owls nearly pulled off an improbable upset in a 20-14 overtime loss. Historically, FAU is 0-3 against Florida. UF is led by head coach Dan Mullen, and his Gators are coming off an 8-4 record which saw them finish first in the SEC East. However, they lost both the SEC Championship to Alabama and the Cotton Bowl to Oklahoma in a disappointing end to their season. What to watch for: FAU’s defense was ranked 10th nationally in points allowed last season (17.4), and limiting UF’s offense will be crucial if the Owls want to pull off an upset in Gainesville. Florida also lost many starters from the 2020 squad to the NFL including QB Kyle Trask, safeties Shawn Davis and Donovan Stiner, and tight end Kyle Pitts. FAU may look to expose potential weaknesses in the new starters for the Gators.
Amongst the additions to the roster, FAU secured the transfer of N’Kosi Perry from Miami. The former UM starter enters a loaded quarterback room featuring Javion Posey, Nick Tronti, and Willie Taggart Jr. FAU continued to be active in the transfer portal, securing offensive lineman Kamaar Bell from Auburn and kicker Logan Lupo from Louisville. The Owls also endured a tragic loss this off-season as the founder of the football program and the first head coach of FAU, Howard Schnellenberger, passed away at the age of 87 in late March. FAU announced that on Sept. 10, the day before the home opener against Georgia Southern, there will be a celebration of life for the legendary coach at FAU Stadium.
Football Preseason Preview | 13
Sept. 11 vs. Georgia Southern FAU faces Georgia Southern for the second time in two seasons and will look to avenge last season’s 20-3 road defeat to the Eagles in Statesboro. GSU ran for over 300 yards and overwhelmed the Owls with a ruthless option-heavy offense, something that Chad Lunsford and his Eagles will look to repeat this season. Georgia Southern finished last season with an 8-4 record, including a 38-3 blowout of Louisiana Tech in the New Orleans Bowl. What to watch for: Following last season’s tough loss to the Eagles, Coach Taggart and the Owls slowing down the option will be crucial towards securing a victory for their home opener.
Sept. 18 vs. Fordham This will be the first-ever matchup between FAU and Fordham in football. Fordham’s entire 2020 season was postponed to Spring 2021, where they finished with a 2-1 record. By the time the Rams arrive in Boca, they will have already faced both Oklahoma and Monmouth. Fordham is led by its junior quarterback, Tim DeMorat. In the Spring 2021 season, DeMorat led the Rams with a quarterback rating of 148.54 and threw for 1049 yards with five touchdowns. What to watch for: Joe Conlin is entering his third year as Fordham’s head coach. After his first two seasons ending with a 2-10 record in 2018 and a 4-8 record in 2019, Fordham showed development in their shortened spring season with a 2-1 record. FAU will look to stunt the Rams’ progress and should not overlook them for their lack of previous successes.
Sept. 25 vs. Air Force Continuing their opening string of non-conference games, FAU will travel to Colorado Springs for what will be the second matchup between the programs. Coming out of the Mountain West Conference, Air Force is coming off their 2020 season with a 3-3 record. FAU defeated Air Force 33-27 in Boca in 2018, as it looks to improve to an overall 2-0 record against the Eagles. What to watch for: This will be FAU’s second opponent that uses a run-heavy option offense. Air Force ran for over 300 yards per game, averaged 5.9 yards per carry last season, and their defense ranked third in the nation for opponents’ points per game (15). Within the mountains of Colorado, the Owls will have a tough task to stop the Eagles on both sides of the ball.
14 | FAU Declassified
Oct. 2 vs. FIU The Shula Bowl returns to Boca this season and will mark the beginning of C-USA play for the Owls this season. In what will be the 20th matchup historically between these two programs, FAU will look to extend their winning streak to five against the Panthers. Last season, the Owls defeated the Panthers 38-19, which marked the most points scored by FAU all season. FIU is coming off of arguably their worst year under current head coach Butch Davis, finishing the season 0-5 that also included a 19-10 loss at home to FCS opponent, Jacksonville State. What to watch for: FAU will want to start its conference play on a strong note, and facing FIU at home should give the Owls an extra bit of confidence considering they have not lost to FIU since 2016. FAU exposed FIU’s defense last season, most notably through Posey’s three combined touchdowns. If the Owls have another explosive day on offense, while also limiting FIU’s top playmakers in WR Bryce Singleton and RB D’Vonte Prince, the Owls should continue cruising in the Shula Bowl.
Oct. 9 vs. UAB In what could be a huge conference matchup for both teams, FAU visits Birmingham to face the reigning C-USA champs in the UAB Blazers. While these two teams did not face each other last season, 2019’s matchup saw FAU annihilate UAB 49-6 in Boca. FAU owns a 5-2 record against UAB. However, UAB has improved greatly since the last matchup in 2019. UAB finished last season with a 6-3 overall record, including a 4-1 conference record. What to watch for: This game will be a huge test for Taggart and the Owls, and a win could greatly help their chances in possibly ending up in the C-USA Title game in December. If the Owls want to secure the win in Birmingham, however, stopping the Blazers’ powerful running game will be essential. UAB averaged 200 rushing yards per game and managed 4.9 yards per carry. Despite their leading rusher, Spencer Brown, graduating after the 2020 season, UAB retains two running threats in junior Jermaine Brown Jr. and sophomore DeWayne McBride.
Nov. 13 vs. Old Dominion Oct. 23 vs. Charlotte Continuing C-USA play after the bye week, FAU will travel to Charlotte in an eastern divisional matchup. FAU won the previous two matchups against Charlotte, including last year’s 21-17 victory in Boca, which was also Willie Taggart’s first game as FAU head coach. Charlotte finished last season with a 2-4 record with both of its wins coming against conference opponents. What to watch for: Charlotte struggled for most of its shortened 2020 season, but the team has key starters returning, including QB Chris Reynolds and last season’s leading receiver, Victor Tucker. Last season’s matchup saw Nick Tronti contribute three touchdowns in the close victory, so FAU should expect a tough matchup in Charlotte.
Oct. 30 vs. UTEP Returning to Boca, the Owls will face off against UTEP for the first time since 2016. This will be the second matchup between the two programs, despite both playing in the same conference. The Miners finished their shortened 2020 season at 3-5 without a conference win. UTEP also managed only one road win last season, something that FAU will want to capitalize on. What to watch for: The Miners struggled mightily in C-USA plays last season, something that head coach Dana Dimel and his Miners will look to change this season. Even though UTEP’s record may not impress some, it was the most wins recorded under Dimel in his time since 2018.
Nov. 6 vs. Marshall Beginning the final month of the regular season, FAU welcomes C-USA rival Marshall to Boca. FAU has struggled against the Thundering Herd in recent years, losing its last three matchups. However, one thing to consider was that last season’s game against Marshall featured over 30 players being out for FAU due to positive tests and contact tracing. Marshall won 20-9, and the win ultimately gave itself a decisive edge over FAU in the C-USA East standings last season. What to watch for: With COVID-19 hopefully being a non-factor for the Owls this season, especially against Marshall, a full squad for the Owls may give them the depth to end their three-game skid to the Thundering Herd. Considering that this game may have massive implications on who represents the East division in the C-USA Title game, FAU will look to secure a crucial late-season victory at home.
Old Dominion was the only C-USA team to fully cancel their season due to COVID. The last time FAU played ODU was in 2019 when the Owls crushed the Monarchs 41-3. 2019 was a rough year for ODU, going only 1-11. This prompted the firing of then-head coach Bobby Wilder, who was then replaced by Ricky Rahne. What to watch for: Rahne is entering his first season as a head coach after spending 2014-2018 with Penn State as the passing game coordinator and 2011-2013 with Vanderbilt as the quarterbacks’ coach. After a dismal 2019 season for the program, Rahne will desire to establish his mark on the program in his first season.
Nov. 20 vs. Western Kentucky Taggart squares off against his alma mater in Western Kentucky for the second time in his career, following his first matchup against the Hilltoppers last season in which the Owls scraped a 10-6 victory. Western Kentucky finished last season with a 5-7 record overall and lost the LendingTree Bowl to Georgia State 39-21. Despite that, the Hilltoppers managed a winning record within C-USA, going 4-3 in conference play. What to watch for: Head coach Tyson Helton enters his third season at Western Kentucky in what might be a crossroads position. After a strong 2019 season that saw the Hilltoppers go 9-4, including a bowl win over Western Michigan, his team struggled to carry that momentum into 2020. He and his team will look to rebound after a tough 2020 season, but coming to Boca late in the season will prove to be a tough matchup for Western Kentucky.
Nov. 27 vs. Middle Tennessee
Ending both the string of consecutive home games for FAU and the regular season, the Owls welcome Middle Tennessee to Boca in what may be a deciding factor for placement in the C-USA Title game. The two teams were scheduled to play each other last season, but the game was canceled due to COVID-19. The last matchup between these two came in 2019 when FAU prevailed 28-13. Despite FAU’s recent success, Middle Tennessee owns a 12-5 record over the Owls historically. Last season, Middle Tennessee endured a tough 3-6 season and finished fifth in C-USA East, only above winless FIU. What to watch for: FAU will prepare to finish the regular season on a positive note, and a victory over the Blue Raiders will be a proper sendoff to what could be another strong season for the Owls. Middle Tennessee has struggled in the past two seasons, winning only a combined seven games and has also struggled mightily on both sides of the ball.
Football Preseason Preview | 15
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