2003 FAU Football (2007) - Athletics Hall of Fame - Florida Atlantic University Athletics

2003 FAU Football

Induction:
2007

Football 2003
The 2003 Florida Atlantic University football team achieved numerous landmarks on the field. The Owls became the fastest program in NCAA history to register its first win over a Division I-A opponent by defeating Middle Tennessee State, 20-19, in FAU's 22nd football game. FAU rattled-off a team record ten-consecutive victories after a 1-2 start, on their way to hosting the 2003 NCAA Division I-AA national semifinal game. With a final record of 11-3, the team finished the season ranked fourth in the nation. The outstanding finish prompted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference, a move that would make FAU a Division I-A program in the process. The 2003 squad featured nine individuals who played in every game between 2001 and 2004. The 2003 squad also had two members that became the first to represent Florida Atlantic University at the Hula Bowl, with those players assuming leadership roles on FAU's 2004 squad which defeated perennial bowl participant Hawaii in the Owl's first Division I-A season. FAU was the only team to defeat Hawaii at home that year. The 2003 team made a fantastic run for the national title, but more importantly laid the foundation for an FAU program that was built from scratch just a few years prior. The 2003 Owls lit the torch that is proudly carried on by teams today.