What Miami Hurricanes Can Learn From FAU VS Tulsa Game

This Friday, September 11, the Miami Hurricanes will face-off against FAU.

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But, on Saturday, September 5, Florida Atlantic played at Tulsa. It was a high-scoring game that went into overtime, but Tulsa was able to hold on, 47-44.

Though the Canes are far more talented than both FAU and Tulsa (in every way imaginable), football can be unpredictable. You saw what happened to Michigan against Appalachian State or Florida vs Georgia Southern. And, FAU is littered with players also from Miami, so I’m sure they’ll try bring their very best.

As you probably know, in football it’s always wise to be prepared, both as a team and knowing the other team. As the great Chinese Military General, Sun Tzu (The Art of War) said, “Know Thy Self, Know Thy Enemy”. With that said, let’s take a look at what we can learn about FAU from their matchup against Tulsa.

FAU can create turnovers. Tulsa had 4 turnovers – 2 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Though the Owls’ secondary gave up a lot of yards, they’re also ball-hawks. And, the team likes to try stripping the rock. If Kaaya continues to make smart decisions and everyone keeps the ball in a firm grip, the Canes should be fine.

Florida Atlantic’s Running Back, Greg Howell needs to be stopped. Howell ran for an impressive 138 yards for 2 touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards-per-carry against Tulsa’s defense. Though Howell, highlighted the Owls’ rushing attack, the team overall rushed for 300 yards. I’m not too sure how good Tulsa’s rush defense is, but from the looks of it, FAU has a fairly talented backfield.

Keep a spy on Quarterback, Jaquez Johnson. Johnson can move and he’s ready to take off at a moments’ notice. Out of FAU’s 300 total rushing yards against Tulsa, Johnson equated for 97 of those yards, including a 19-yard run. Having a Linebacker spy on him wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Miami should be able to run on the Owls. Tulsa had a total of 194 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing against the Owls’ defense. Two Tulsa Running Backs nearly had 100 yards. Though Florida Atlantic didn’t give up any runs over 20 yards, with the Canes’ talented backfield, I predict them having a field day on the ground. I can see Trayone Gray tiring out FAU upfront and Joseph Yearby & Mark Walton giving the entire defense all sorts of problems.

The Miami secondary will be very busy. FAU Quarterback, Jaquez Johnson had quite the performance despite the loss. He threw for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per reception. Both receivers, Jenson Stoshak and Kalib Woods were on the other end of each touchdown pass. But, it was Stoshak who caught 7 balls for 114 yards, averaging 16.3 yards per reception.

FAU can be beat deep. Tulsa threw for 424 yards against FAU’s defense. Two Tulsa players had over 150 yards receiving. And, there were a lot of receptions for chunk yards. If Kaaya can spread the ball around and have guys like Herb Waters, Rashawn Scott, and Malcolm Lewis get behind the Safeties, the passing attack can be off the charts.

Florida Atlantic can be undisciplined. The penalties were bad news for FAU. They had a total of 13 penalties for a total of negative 130 yards. If Miami can rattle them early on, I think you’ll be seeing the Owls’ moving backwards quite often due to unnecessary mistakes.

FAU vs Tulsa Highlights:

Next: Four FAU Players to Watch For On Friday

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