3 things to watch and our prediction for FAU-UNT
By Marcus Nelson
FAU will be facing North Texas today in a game that could be the last meeting for some time between the two schools as the Mean Green are leaving for greener pastures of Conference USA. It seems like a long time ago that North Texas was rolling over everyone in the Sun Belt doesn't it?
Here's 3 Things to Watch in today's game
- While FAU reserve quarterback Stephen Curtis (turf toe) was out of his walking boot this week at practice, third-string Nick Bracewell was still getting plenty of work and it will be interesting to see if Curtis actually gets in. If the gameplan is to not use him, look for running back Damian Fortner to get the calls if the situation calls for the “wildcat” formation.
- Speaking of the “wildcat” North Texas uses it as well, and has been known to use a few other trick plays as well. For an FAU defense which is young and still trying to get a handle on a new system, gadget plays can be tough to stop.
- In the season-opener, FAU announced a crowd of 14,510 but it appeared to be less than 10,000 in the stands. North Texas, which also opened its stadium has had two crowds of 20,000 or more and, like FAU, is struggling this season. With another small crowd today, FAU officials had better start looking in to why the fan base is stagnating and what can be done to fix it.
Prediction: FAU and North Texas are both trying to earn their first Sun Belt conference victory and this game could come down to who wants it more. In an apparently evenly-matched contest, special teams could loom large. North Texas missed three field goals in its 14-7 loss to Troy last week while the Owls are 1-of-3 this season. FAU may be getting better, but North Texas still has the upper hand. North Texas 21, FAU 20