Ground Game Powers FAU to First Conference USA Win

Saturday, October 5

Birmingham, AL (Legion Field)

3:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

2-4 , 1-3

UAB

1-4 , 0-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

FAU

UAB

10/5/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football

Box Score

Oct. 5, 2013

Final Stats
Highlight Video

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Florida Atlantic University's football team earned its first Conference USA victory on Saturday as the Owls topped UAB 37-23 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

Quarterback Jaquez Johnson and running back Jonathan Wallacebecame the first duo in FAU history to rush for more than 100 yards each in a single game. Wallace's 117 yards led the Owls while Johnson tacked on 105 on the ground. Each player also scored a rushing touchdown on the day.

Johnson also had a stellar day through the air, going 23-of-36 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore led FAU to 579 yards of offense, the most in a game since the Owls posted 624 against ULL in 2009. Five of FAU's six scoring drives were for 73 yards or more, including an 80-yarder at the end of the first half. For the first time this season, the Owls scored on their opening possession, an 11-play, 50-yard drive that resulted in a 42-yard field goal by Mitch Anderson. The Owls then pieced together a seven-play, 75-yard drive with the help of a 47-yard, rush by Jay Warren, which is his career high. Johnson carried it in from two yards out for the touchdown, but UAB blocked the extra point to hold the one-point lead.

The Blazers responded once more with a 47-yard drive to increase their lead to four midway through the second quarter.

Johnson again led the Owls 75 yards down the field aided by a critical third-down completion to Jenson Stoshakto break into the UAB red zone. This time it was Wallace who got the call and earned the one-yard touchdown run to put the Owls back on top 16-13.

FAU would then go on its longest drive of the game, marching 80 yards in four and a half minutes. Johnson passed to Nexon Dorvilusfor a three-yard touchdown with only six seconds left in the half.

UAB opened the second half with an offensive attack, putting together back-to-back scoring drives to tie the game at 23.

The Owls answered with another long drive, aided by Wallace's 53-yard rush to get into the red zone. Warren then punched it in from three yards out to put FAU up 29-23.

With just under five minutes remaining, Johnson broke off a 54-yard run to get down to the UAB five-yard line. After a pair of rushes for no gain, Johnson threw a five-yard touchdown pass to William Dukesto ice the game. The Owls completed the two-point conversion to go up 37-23.

FAU's 37 points was the most in a game since Nov. 10, 2012 against Western Kentucky. The Owls had more than 11 minutes more time of possession than UAB and converted 11 third-down conversions. The two teams were a combined nine-of-eleven in red zone chances and committed only three penalties in the contest.

FAU returns home to host Marshall on October 12 at 5 p.m. at FAU Stadium. The game will air on Fox College Sports and will be carried by ESPN 106.3 and on www.fausports.com. For tickets, call1-866-FAU-Owls.