After review:
USC 38, FAU 16
FAUOwlAccess.com hands out our grades following FAU's 38-16 loss at South Carolina.
Originally published on
9/20/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
Handing out the grades
Offense
In the season opener the offense got a D in this space, and there was significant improvement vs. South Carolina. Example – a touchdown was scored. Actually, the Owls crossed the goal line twice. A true sign of progress if there ever was one. FAU only had 96 of its 307 total yards on the ground, but the Owls are showing a real commitment to letting the run establish the pass – a tactic that will pay off against Sun Belt teams. Grade:: C+
Defense
At times, the Gamecocks looked like they were running freely in the secondary and they did have 516 yards of total offense. But it could have been worse against a good offensive football team. After allowing scores on three of South Carolina’s first four possessions, the defense seemed to toughen until the third quarter when the Gamecocks struck often. Grade: C
Overall
FAU concludes its paycheck portion of the schedule and the Owls did show improvement from the first game to the second. FAU needs to continue that trend because defeating Louisiana-Monroe won’t be easy. But if FAU’s offense can cut down on mistakes and the defense can keep getting better up front, the rest of the season will be markedly different from what we have endured the last two games. Grade: C+
Handing out the game balls
WR Chris Bonner
With the suspension to Cortez Gent, it was assumed Lester Jean would be asked to pick up the slack, but it was Bonner that provided stability and a consistent target for Rusty Smith. Bonner had six catches for 57 yards and a 23-yard TD catch from Smith.
DT Dino Cox
Cox was the leader of a defensive front that won plenty of battles vs. the South Carolina offensive line. Cox had the Owls’ first quarterback sack of the season and had three tackles – two of them behind the line of scrimmage.
DB Tavious Polo
Polo’s 38-yard kickoff return gave the Owls good field position for their first touchdown of the season.