Upcoming Event: Football at Florida on September 5, 2026 at TBA
TBA
Football
at Florida
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic Plays Michigan State on ESPN2
9/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 8, 2008
Gameday Central
Game Notes in PDF Format 
Watch Party Locations
This week's practice reports/Interviews
Florida Atlantic University's football team hopes to use an outstanding offensive effort against UAB last Saturday to build momentum as they prepare to travel to East Lancing, Michigan to play the Spartans of Michigan State University Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.
The Owls (1-1) face Big Ten opponents in back-to-back weeks, first up is the Spartans of Michigan State. The game scheduled for noon Saturday, September 13 will be aired on ESPN2 and can be heard on WFTL 640 AM in the Boca Raton area, WPSL in Port St. Lucie and over the internet at www.FAUSPORTS.com.
UAB Team and Individual Highlights
Florida Atlantic won its third-consecutive home-opener with a 49-34 victory over UAB. Dating back to FAU's 2007 New Orleans Bowl win over Memphis, the Owls were facing its second C-USA opponent in its last three contests. The Owls were victorious in both.
The high-scoring game with UAB saw the two teams combine for 52 first downs - a new program record for FAU.
The Owls converted on 7-of-10 third downs - also a program record.
Individually
The Owls had several outstanding offensive performances. Junior Cortez Gent tossed a 33-yard pass to fellow wide receiver Chris Bonner to put the Owls on the board first. Gent had eight receptions for 146 yards and a score.
The Owls offense continues to be led by junior Rusty Smith who was 21-for-34 with 325 yards and three touchdowns.
The running game saw senior Charles Pierre dash for a 73-yard late fourth quarter score that solidified the FAU victory. His 73-yard run was not only a career high for Pierre, but broke the FAU record for longest run from the line of scrimmage that resulted in a score. On the night Pierre had two touchdowns and totaled 146 yards.
Defensively, linebacker Frantz Joseph continues to lead the Owls. Joseph posted his second double-digit tackle game. The senior recorded 16 tackles and one sack against UAB's athletic quarterback. Senior Michael Hancock had three sacks in the game and currently leads the Sun Belt Conferene in sacks along with fellow senior lineman Jervonte Jackson.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DE
/ Football
DT
/ Football
LB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ FootballInside the Owls Burrow 2025-26 Spring Show #8
Thursday, April 23
Friday Night Showcase
Friday, April 17
Josh Roberts
Friday, April 17
Zach Kittley Post 2026 Spring Game
Friday, April 17