The motto in Boca Raton is “winning in paradise,” When it relates to the Florida Atlantic Owls football team.
Rafe Peavey made his first start of the season, replacing seven-game starter Chris Robison, and was 15-of-26 passing with an interception for FAU (3-5, 1-3). Devin Singletary carried it 19 times for 171 yards and one touchdown.
It was not enough for the Owls who have lost two games in a row four out of the last five, recently falling to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 21-13.
There were so many question marks in the game about how the Owls played helping the Bulldogs become bowl eligible. Owls committed two turnovers and 11 penalties.
“The day started really well on both sides of the ball. We had good tempo moving the ball offensively, ” Head coach Lane Kiffin said.
“I think (LA Tech) had 20 yards rushing at the half and just five in the first quarter. We were running the ball and stopping the run; we just screwed up with some turnovers (offensively), didn’t get turnovers (defensively) and were atrocious on third down.”
FAU appeared to get the ball back with just over two minutes left down a touchdown and two-point conversion, but Louisiana Tech’s drive was extended after a 15-yard penalty on the punt.
J’Mar Smith threw for 217 yards and a touchdown and Louisiana Tech (6-2, 4-1 Conference USA) snapped the Owls’ 10-game home winning streak.
The beat goes on as FAU will travel to FIU for the 17th Annual Shula Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 3. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Photo/RomanGaray/WORLDWIDEWEST
