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Football to Face Charlotte in C-USA Tilt Saturday
9/25/2019 2:57:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The stage is set for a Conference USA opening tilt between Florida Atlantic University and Charlotte. Both teams hope to move to 1-0 in league play. Both teams are currently 2-2 through the first four 2019 games, and are 2-2 against one another in the all-time series.
Added to the drama is the reminder that the last time these two teams met, Charlotte booted a 56-yard game-winning field goal with 0:25 remaining to close out the game, winning 27-24, and essentially erasing a potential FAU bid for a second consecutive bowl game.
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
TV Coverage: NFL Network
Listen: Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida
Live Stats: Click HERE
Series: 2-2
"On offense, we have a very difficult scheme to deal with, with some really good linemen and a great back, so we are going to have our hands full on that side. It sounds like they are getting a little healthier on the other side, because they had some critical guys out. It will be a big test for us."
With Charlotte, you haven't played great against them. You had the division clinch two years ago and last year it cost you a possibility of a bowl game. Is that something (FAU players) they remember?
"I think they remember last year. We let it get away. We were ahead, like every game last year but the opener. Scored on the first play and didn't finish the game. But every team is new. They are much improved from a year ago already. So, we are going to have to be much improved to be able to go up and win."
Being on NFL Network, is that something you can use in recruiting?
"I think that was a great deal, a great job by the conference to get that done. A lot of people watch NFL Network so [it is a] very good thing for recruiting for the whole conference.
Akileis Leroy on the FAU defense:
"On the defensive side of the ball, everybody is just trying to do everything we can, as far as doing our assignment every play, one snap at a time, everybody just go 1-0 against their assignment."
Ahman Ross on the feelings going into conference play and if the feelings are amped up:
"The first four games is what it is. We play to win but it is just the season right here. Preseason is over with. It is conference and the main goal is to go 1-0."
Do you remember the feeling of walking off the field with them keeping you from a shot at a bowl?
"Absolutely. That feeling still sticks with us. It is just something that is not going to go away. We felt some type of way after that one."
"We'd sit on the sideline and used to always joke about how he'd make the craziest calls at the weirdest times throughout the game, but not one coach ever went against him," said Acevedo, who played for Schnellenberger's Owls from 2003-07. "He just was that type of figure, and everybody respected him." Referring to former head coach Howard Schnellenberger.
Click HERE for the full story
LaVicka will also host the next edition of the "Coach's Show," featuring head coach Lane Kiffin, this Thursday at 6 p.m. The show originates from Biergarten Boca Raton and will air live on Fox Sports 640 South Florida. Safeties coach Wes Neighbors and wide receiver John Mitchell are scheduled to join the show.
Also featured is running back James Charles as well as the art of long snapping with Jonathan Sullivan in the show's "Pads Off" segment. The show will also introduce defensive line coach Lance Thompson, who reflects on his career which has included three National Championships. Plus, Thompson is wired for sound at a recent practice.
Added to the drama is the reminder that the last time these two teams met, Charlotte booted a 56-yard game-winning field goal with 0:25 remaining to close out the game, winning 27-24, and essentially erasing a potential FAU bid for a second consecutive bowl game.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
TV Coverage: NFL Network
Listen: Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida
Live Stats: Click HERE
Series: 2-2
Kiffin's Korner
Lane Kiffin on the Charlotte personnel:"On offense, we have a very difficult scheme to deal with, with some really good linemen and a great back, so we are going to have our hands full on that side. It sounds like they are getting a little healthier on the other side, because they had some critical guys out. It will be a big test for us."
With Charlotte, you haven't played great against them. You had the division clinch two years ago and last year it cost you a possibility of a bowl game. Is that something (FAU players) they remember?
"I think they remember last year. We let it get away. We were ahead, like every game last year but the opener. Scored on the first play and didn't finish the game. But every team is new. They are much improved from a year ago already. So, we are going to have to be much improved to be able to go up and win."
Being on NFL Network, is that something you can use in recruiting?
"I think that was a great deal, a great job by the conference to get that done. A lot of people watch NFL Network so [it is a] very good thing for recruiting for the whole conference.
Akileis Leroy on the FAU defense:
"On the defensive side of the ball, everybody is just trying to do everything we can, as far as doing our assignment every play, one snap at a time, everybody just go 1-0 against their assignment."
Ahman Ross on the feelings going into conference play and if the feelings are amped up:
"The first four games is what it is. We play to win but it is just the season right here. Preseason is over with. It is conference and the main goal is to go 1-0."
Do you remember the feeling of walking off the field with them keeping you from a shot at a bowl?
"Absolutely. That feeling still sticks with us. It is just something that is not going to go away. We felt some type of way after that one."
Game Notes
Click HEREPreview Video Feature
Where are They Now
Taheem Acevedo"We'd sit on the sideline and used to always joke about how he'd make the craziest calls at the weirdest times throughout the game, but not one coach ever went against him," said Acevedo, who played for Schnellenberger's Owls from 2003-07. "He just was that type of figure, and everybody respected him." Referring to former head coach Howard Schnellenberger.
Click HERE for the full story
2019 Roster
Click HERE2019 Schedule
Click HERE2019 Tickets
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," featuring head coach Lane Kiffin, this Thursday at 6 p.m. The show originates from Biergarten Boca Raton and will air live on Fox Sports 640 South Florida. Safeties coach Wes Neighbors and wide receiver John Mitchell are scheduled to join the show.
Television Show
This week's "Inside the Owls Burrow," featuring FAU head coach Lane and host Frank Forte, will review FAU's home 42-7 victory over Wagner and will preview the upcoming Conference USA opener at Charlotte.Also featured is running back James Charles as well as the art of long snapping with Jonathan Sullivan in the show's "Pads Off" segment. The show will also introduce defensive line coach Lance Thompson, who reflects on his career which has included three National Championships. Plus, Thompson is wired for sound at a recent practice.
Players Mentioned
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