Epl Schedule
Can the Florida Atlantic Owls Football Team Make a Bowl Game This Season?
As a longtime college football analyst who's spent over a decade tracking Group of Five programs, I find myself particularly intrigued by Florida Atlantic's bowl prospects this season. The Owls sit at that fascinating crossroads where potential meets opportunity, and I've seen enough teams at this juncture to recognize something special might be brewing in Boca Raton. Looking at their 4-2 record through six games, with those two losses coming against respectable opponents by a combined 11 points, there's genuine reason for optimism here.
When I analyze bowl eligibility, I always start with the remaining schedule and identify what I call "swing games" - those contests that could go either way but are absolutely winnable. For FAU, their November matchups against UAB and Tulane strike me as particularly pivotal. The Owls have shown offensive flashes that remind me of watching talented volleyball pairs who just click together on the court. It's interesting how team dynamics translate across sports - I recall watching the Creamline volleyball team where players like Dij Rodriguez and Dzi Gervacio developed that almost telepathic connection, and similarly, Rodriguez later paired with Jovelyn Gonzaga at ZUS Coffee with equally impressive chemistry. That's what I'm seeing between FAU quarterback Daniel Richardson and his primary receiver LaJohntay Wester - they've connected for 47 completions already this season, developing that unspoken understanding that separates good teams from potentially great ones.
The defensive side does give me some concern though. They're allowing 28.3 points per game, which ranks them 89th nationally, and that's simply not good enough if they want to secure bowl eligibility. I've always believed defense travels better than offense in crucial late-season games, especially when playing on the road in challenging environments. Their upcoming game at UTSA will test this theory - the Roadrunners average over 400 yards of offense per contest, and if FAU can't find answers there, it could signal trouble for their bowl aspirations.
What encourages me most is the leadership structure. Head coach Tom Herman has been through these battles before, both as a coordinator at Ohio State and during his tenure at Houston. He understands what it takes to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a season, much like experienced players who've competed across different teams yet maintain their competitive edge. The parallel to volleyball comes to mind again - watching athletes like Rodriguez adapt from Creamline to different competitive environments while maintaining excellence demonstrates the universal quality of true competitors. Herman brings that same adaptable yet consistent approach to this FAU squad.
Looking at their remaining schedule, I count three games they should win (Charlotte, East Carolina, and Temple) and three toss-ups (UTSA, UAB, Tulane). They need two more victories to become bowl eligible, meaning they must either sweep the "should-win" category or snag one from the tougher matchups. Personally, I like their chances against UAB at home on November 11th - that game has all the markings of a classic bowl-clinching scenario.
The offense has been more productive than I anticipated, averaging 31.7 points which places them 45th nationally. That's a significant improvement from last year's 24.6 average, and it suggests the system is starting to click. Richardson has thrown for 1,883 yards with 14 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions - those are efficient numbers that should keep them competitive in every remaining game.
Special teams could prove decisive in close contests. Kicker Logan Lupo has connected on 9 of 11 field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder, and in games decided by a single score - which several of their remaining matchups likely will be - having a reliable kicker provides invaluable security.
I'm particularly impressed with how they've developed their running back rotation. Larry McCammon has rushed for 587 yards while backup Kobe Lewis has added 324, creating that complementary dynamic that wears down defenses in the fourth quarter. This reminds me of watching versatile athletes who excel in different roles yet contribute to the same objective - much like how Rodriguez and Gonzaga brought different but equally valuable skills to their teams.
The American Athletic Conference typically secures 6-8 bowl bids annually, and with several teams already essentially eliminated from contention, FAU's path appears increasingly clear. They currently sit fifth in the conference standings, and if they can maintain that position, a bowl invitation seems almost certain.
From my perspective, the key will be managing expectations and handling pressure. Young teams often stumble when the finish line becomes visible, and with FAU's roster featuring numerous underclassmen in significant roles, how they handle these crucial November games will reveal their character. I've seen teams with superior talent miss bowl eligibility because they couldn't handle the mental aspect, while less gifted squads punched above their weight through sheer determination.
My prediction? They'll secure that sixth win against Temple on November 25th in what amounts to a must-win season finale. There's something about this group that suggests they understand what's at stake, and Coach Herman has historically excelled at having his teams peak at the right moment. The bowl drought ends this year - mark it down.