Game Prep Week Begins; Bryant Earns Two More Honors

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University Owls began a usual week of game prep for an atypical game, the 2019 Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl. Monday saw the team practice at their normal confines of the Tom Oxley Center Practice Fields, and afterwards, saw both coordinators meet with the media.

Also on Monday, senior tight end Harrison Bryant added two more accolades to his remarkable postseason résumé, as he was named First Team All-America by both the Associated Press and ESPN. Over the last few days, and in addition to winning the John Mackey Award, Bryant has been chosen First Team All-America by Walter Camp, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and USA TODAY. Upcoming All-America team announcements are scheduled to be released by the AFCA on Tuesday and FWAA Wednesday, with the potential for Bryant to be a part of those as well.

Bowl Details

Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
Location: Boca Raton, Fla.
Opponent: SMU
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
TV Coverage: ABC
Listen: Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida
Live Stats: Click HERE
Series: First Meeting
Tickets: Click HERE

Boca Raton Bowl Prep Video - Monday

Coaches Post Practice

Interim Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Glenn Spencer
"Our guys are working their tails off, especially with the situation like it is and just some uncertainty right now. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this team, the way these guys are practicing, when human nature would say, let's try to cut a corner here or there. That's been so refreshing to me. The staff and their families, so hectic with the championship game, and the recruiting … and then bowl prep, the week of signing day. This is like game week for us and you've got Signing Day coming up on Wednesday. I don't know if a lot of people understand what's happening time-wise with these guys and their families."

Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis, Jr.
"(The past week has been) crazy. You go through some highs and lows of everything, it's just been a really hectic week. The one thing that I've been impressed with is Coach Taggart, and how he's handled the transition. He's done a phenomenal job with that … A lot going on, you're trying to balance a whole bunch of different things. But the number one most important priority to me is our kids and making sure that we as a coaching staff give them everything that we have because this group deserves the world. We want to make sure that we give that to them one more time for this bowl game."

Media-Only Practice Schedule

Members of the media are invited to attend to practice but must secure a practice credential prior to going onto the field. For a full Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl schedule click HERE.

Bowl Availability Schedule

Tuesday, Dec. 17: Practice at the Oxley Center, 10:30 – 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Practice at the Oxley Center, 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19: Practice at Dwyer High School, 11:40 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Important Links

Boca Raton Bowl Games Notes – Click HERE
2019 Roster – Click HERE
2019 Schedule – Click HERE
2019 Tickets – Call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or click HERE

The Radio Broadcasts

All games will be carried by Fox Sports 640 South Florida, where Ken LaVicka and FAU football alum Kris Bartels will have the call. Follow the team via social media @FAU_Football.

The Television Show

Host Frank Forte sits down with new head coach Willie Taggart for a one-on-one interview. Also featured in the show: a look at John Mackey Award winner Harrison Bryant's standout senior season, a feature on FAU leading the nation in takeaways and interceptions, a segment on center Junior Diaz, plus in "Pads Off", offensive tackle Devin Hayes takes the microphone and turns the tables on Frank Forte.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Players Mentioned

Harrison Bryant

Junior Diaz

Devin Hayes

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Football at Florida on September 5, 2026 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football versus FIU on September 19, 2026 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football at ULM on September 26, 2026 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football versus Texas Southern on October 3, 2026 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football at FIU Shula Bowl on September 18, 2027 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football versus ULM on September 25, 2027 at TBA

Florida Atlantic University Athletics