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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Football Prepares to Host C-USA Championship Game
12/3/2019 5:16:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Each week, the Florida Atlantic University football team (9-3, 7-1 Conference USA) works under the 1-0 mantra. This philosophy is in place for one reason, to keep the team focused on one thing at a time, all moving towards the opportunity to capture the Conference USA Championship. That mindset has brought the Owls to this week and the opportunity to play host to UAB (9-3, 6-2 C-USA) in the league's title game, this Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
UAB, which captured the C-USA West Division title, will face FAU on its home turf for the first time since 2014, a game that the Owls won 31-28; however, UAB won the C-USA Championship in 2018, and played at FAU Stadium when the Blazers defeated Northern Illinois to claim the 2018 Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl.
Location: Boca Raton, Fla.
Opponent: UAB
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
TV Coverage: CBS Sports Network
Listen: Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida
Live Stats: Click HERE
Series: 4-2 FAU
Last Meeting: 31-28 FAU (Nov. 1, 2014 in Boca Raton, Fla.)
Tickets: Click HERE
"It's been a great run so far, (we've) won nine of our last 10. We screwed up and had to have some help with Marshall, once that happened, things fell into place for us to not just make the game but have it at home. So, we're excited about that."
"I like the team morale. I like the way our guys are handling being in a championship game. I don't think that we are going to let it get too big for us. I think we will keep everything in front of us and work real hard this week to be ready for the game."
What stands out to you about the UAB defense?
"They have really good players. They have a good scheme. They do a lot of different things. I have to make sure I'm watching out for their defensive linemen. That is probably their strong suit of the defense. Like I say every week, it is more about us than what they do."
Senior offensive lineman Brandon Walton's thoughts about playing for a second championship in three years:
"I'm so happy. The really big happiness for me comes from last year we didn't live up to the potential and now we are facing that thought again. I'm just excited for the team, the coaching staff and for FAU, really.
The older guys have been through this extended season and preparing for it. But that shouldn't really matter with the 1-0 approach every week, that shouldn't change this week should it?
"Exactly, that is the thing we say 'keep the main thing'. The main thing is practice like it is 1-0. It is just another game, but at the same time we have to pay attention to details and be really focused and respect our opponent so that we can have a great game."
Austin Jensen
"One of his sayings was to believe is to be strong," Jensen said. "And I think that we're able to really bring that to a lot of the people that I work with, to create strength and stability between the temples, so to speak. I think, when you're able to take some aspects of [Schnellenberger's] coaching style - that grit that he brings to the table, that old-school coaching style, hard work always pays off, that kind of thing - you're going to be able to find success in anything you do."
Full Story Click HERE
2019 Game Notes Click HERE
2019 Schedule Click HERE
2019 Ticket For tickets call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or click HERE.
LaVicka will also host the next edition of the "Coach's Show." This week's show will feature head coach Lane Kiffin and two senior players and league and national award candidates, tight end Harrison Bryant and linebacker Rashad Smith. Join the show this Thursday at 6 p.m. as it originates from Biergarten Boca Raton and will also air live on Fox Sports 640 South Florida.
UAB, which captured the C-USA West Division title, will face FAU on its home turf for the first time since 2014, a game that the Owls won 31-28; however, UAB won the C-USA Championship in 2018, and played at FAU Stadium when the Blazers defeated Northern Illinois to claim the 2018 Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, Dec. 7Location: Boca Raton, Fla.
Opponent: UAB
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
TV Coverage: CBS Sports Network
Listen: Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida
Live Stats: Click HERE
Series: 4-2 FAU
Last Meeting: 31-28 FAU (Nov. 1, 2014 in Boca Raton, Fla.)
Tickets: Click HERE
Kiffin's Korner
Lane Kiffin on Conference USA Championship"It's been a great run so far, (we've) won nine of our last 10. We screwed up and had to have some help with Marshall, once that happened, things fell into place for us to not just make the game but have it at home. So, we're excited about that."
Players Post Practice
Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Chris Robison:"I like the team morale. I like the way our guys are handling being in a championship game. I don't think that we are going to let it get too big for us. I think we will keep everything in front of us and work real hard this week to be ready for the game."
What stands out to you about the UAB defense?
"They have really good players. They have a good scheme. They do a lot of different things. I have to make sure I'm watching out for their defensive linemen. That is probably their strong suit of the defense. Like I say every week, it is more about us than what they do."
Senior offensive lineman Brandon Walton's thoughts about playing for a second championship in three years:
"I'm so happy. The really big happiness for me comes from last year we didn't live up to the potential and now we are facing that thought again. I'm just excited for the team, the coaching staff and for FAU, really.
The older guys have been through this extended season and preparing for it. But that shouldn't really matter with the 1-0 approach every week, that shouldn't change this week should it?
"Exactly, that is the thing we say 'keep the main thing'. The main thing is practice like it is 1-0. It is just another game, but at the same time we have to pay attention to details and be really focused and respect our opponent so that we can have a great game."
Where are they Now
Austin Jensen
"One of his sayings was to believe is to be strong," Jensen said. "And I think that we're able to really bring that to a lot of the people that I work with, to create strength and stability between the temples, so to speak. I think, when you're able to take some aspects of [Schnellenberger's] coaching style - that grit that he brings to the table, that old-school coaching style, hard work always pays off, that kind of thing - you're going to be able to find success in anything you do."
Full Story Click HERE
Important Links
2019 Roster Click HERE2019 Game Notes Click HERE
2019 Schedule Click HERE
2019 Ticket For 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.LaVicka will also host the next edition of the "Coach's Show." This week's show will feature head coach Lane Kiffin and two senior players and league and national award candidates, tight end Harrison Bryant and linebacker Rashad Smith. Join the show this Thursday at 6 p.m. as it originates from Biergarten Boca Raton and will also air live on Fox Sports 640 South Florida.
Players Mentioned
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