Football Earns First Home Victory In Team History

Saturday, September 22

Miami Gardens, Fla.

4:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

0-2

Marist

2-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Marist

FAU

9/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football

Box Score

Sept 22, 2001

The first drive of the game told the story in Florida Atlantic University's 31-9 victory over Marist College, Saturday evening at Pro Player Stadium.

Anthony Jackson set-up for the game's opening kick-off. He collected the 60 yard kick and returned it 49 yards. Four plays and :51 seconds later, FAU held a 7-0 advantage. Jackson would time and time again put the offense in position to score.

"Our kick-off teams were a highlight in the first two games and repeated itself today," Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's Director of Football Operations and Head Coach said.

Jackson entered the game listed 32nd nationally in kick-off returns. Saturday evening he returned three kick-offs for 168 yards, his longest was 85 yards.

"This team (FAU) has more speed than any team we will play this season," said Jim Parady, Marist's Head Coach. "At least I hope they do."

Jared Allen drew his second start in as many games. The freshman threw for two touchdown passes in the Owls first home victory in team history.

Florida Atlantic (2-1) gained 421 yards on offense, while the Owls' defense kept the Red Foxes (0-2) from scoring a touchdown. FAU held Marsit to 312 yards and totaled 421 yards, the first time the program has out gain its opponent.

Thomas Parker and Doug Parker caught touchdown passes from Allen. Garrett Jahn also threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Frank Conrad. Justin Thomas scored on a 9-yard run and Andy Rosas kicked a field goal and four extra points.

"Conrad's touchdown catch was a great call by Larry Seiple (FAU's offensive coordinator), because he was wide open and he wasn't supposed to be," said Schnellenberger.

Brett Biggs accounted for all of Marist's points, kicking field goals of 41, 37 and 40 yards in the first half. It was the first time in the program's three-game history that the defense held its opponents to just three field goals and no touchdowns.

Allen and Jahn, both freshmen, combined to complete 12 of 24 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns. Allen was 8-16 for 162 yards.

Chris Price led Marist with 14 carries for 86 yards, and Alfredo Riullano added 61 yards on 16 carries.

FAU will have an open date, next Saturday, and will play at Drake the following Saturday.