On Saturday, the Florida Atlantic Owls football team (1-3, 0-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts the Wagner University Seahawks (2-2). Owl family weekend. The game starts at 6:00 p.m. This is the Owls’ final game before they enter their bye week and begin conference play.

Last weekend, FAU traveled to East Hartford, Connecticut. The team lost 48-14 to the University of Connecticut (2-2). UConn dominated the entire game with a possession time of 41 minutes, while FAU had 18 minutes. At halftime, the Huskies led 17-0. The Owls had some offensive action in the second half after running back CJ Campbell Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns.

Here are the University Press sports staff’s predictions for Saturday’s Wagner game.

JD Delcastillo, Editor-in-Chief

Man. After predict After a meager 6-6 season in August, I’m now inclined to believe that this team won’t be able to top their last season with a total of four wins. The Owls were completely destroyed by a school that is currently the reigning national basketball champions.

FAU allowed the Huskies to field one record-breaking Performance in the running game. The Owls gave up 423 rushing yards and 156 rushing yards respectively to UConn’s two running backs, Durell Robinson and Mel Brown. Although fans didn’t know what to expect from the offense at the start of the season, defense was supposed to be the silver lining for the team.

Fast forward to Week 5 and FAU is the worst rushing defense in the AAC in terms of yardage, allowing an average of 6.3 yards per play. If my calculation is correct, the team allows a first down every two plays. However, it is difficult to stop an opposing offense from running off the field when your own offense cannot stay on the field. The owls have that third Worst time of possession in the AAC since an average of 26:40.

The team wants to change things with one Quarterback changeAccording to University Press alumnus Cameron Priest, it couldn’t have happened at a better time. Wagner, a losing team in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is currently 2-2 on the season and is coming off a 21-14 loss to Robert Morris University. This should bode well for the team and provide the perfect opportunity for a “real” game before the Owls head into the bye week.

It’s Owl Family Weekend. Featuring TikTok sensations AJ and Big Justice I am ready to give FAU football the assurance that these two things will be the only joke on the field this Saturday by rallying the fan base and kicking the team out.

Forecast: FAU 28, Wagner 7

Alexander Tabares, staff writer

After a poor performance against UConn in which the Huskies broke their school’s rushing record, the Owls are looking for their second win of the season against Wagner – and I think they will get it.

Despite Wagner’s superior record, FAU has played a much tougher series of matches. I think the Owls will also have a chip on their shoulder after last weekend’s surprising loss to UConn.

Accordingly ESPN analysisFAU has a 96.8% chance of winning on Saturday, but I don’t think it will be that easy. The Owls’ defensive line was tested repeatedly against teams like Army and UConn. FAU has shown that it cannot withstand the pressure.

FAU head coach Tom Herman even said after the recent loss to UConn, “I didn’t expect that.”

However, I think this week will mark a turning point for the team’s defense. After an unforgettable performance last week, the team will look to strengthen its defense and stop the opponent’s running game more effectively.

What’s better than a game to get back on your feet with a big win, a “BOOOOOMif you will, as AJ and Big Justice Day. The father-son duo are local social media influencers who will be in attendance at the Owls’ Family Weekend. With the presence of our hometown heroes, the Owls are sure to pick up two wins in five games while posting a dominant performance over the Wagner Seahawks.

Forecast: FAU 36, Wagner 14

Morgan Larkins, staff writer

FAU is looking to get back on the winning side after a poor performance against UConn. Wagner is FAU’s next opponent, which plays in the Northeast Conference at the FCS level.

Although Wagner’s 2-2 record is higher than FAU’s, the teams Wagner plays against are far worse. Wagner has never beaten a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent Program history. So I have a hard time believing they will beat FAU, an FBS team.

FAU faced Wagner twice in their history. The first duel took place in 2012 and ended with a 7-3 win for the Owls. The second time was in 2019 with a 42-7 win for the Owls.

The FAU offense should pay attention to Wagner’s leading tackler, the defensive back Justin Reilly. He leads the team with 21 tackles and a monster performance last week against Robert Morris University with 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.

Ultimately, FAU is in the FBS and Wagner is in the FCS. The talent will be a lot for Wagner to consider.

Forecast: FAU 27, Wagner 10

For more information on this or other stories, email (email protected) or DM the staff on Instagram: JD Delcastillo (@jd.delcastillo), Alexander Tabares (@alextabaresof), Morgan Larkins (@mj_larkins).