Florida Atlantic Owls Football

The Florida Atlantic Owls Football program, founded in 2001, represents Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in the thrilling world of American football. They've made a mark by competing in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). From 2020 to 2022, Coach Willie Taggart led the charge.

Notably, the Owls soared to success, winning the Sun Belt Conference co-championship in 2007 and two Conference USA championships in 2017 and 2019. They've also graced the postseason with four bowl appearances and once participated in the 2003 I-AA Playoffs. Home games occur at the FAU Stadium, boasting a seating capacity of 29,419 eager fans. Regarding fierce football action, the Florida Atlantic Owls are always ready to take on rivals like the FIU Panthers, making every game a thrilling showdown.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Introduction

The Florida Atlantic Owls football program, established in 2001, has made a notable mark in college football. Led by athletic director Brian White and head coach Tom Herman, the Owls have shown promise from the very beginning. FIU Panthers have always been their fierce rivals, creating an electrifying atmosphere whenever they clash on the field. This rivalry is deeply ingrained in FAU's football history.

FAU's home turf is the impressive FAU Stadium, boasting a capacity of 29,571, and it was constructed in 2011. The field is covered in natural turf, offering a classic feel to the games. Situated in the sunny locale of Boca Raton, Florida, the Owls compete in the NCAA Division I FBS and have been part of various conferences, including the American Athletic Conference.

Throughout their journey, FAU has clinched three conference titles (in 2007, 2017, and 2019) and two division titles (in 2017 and 2019). They've also achieved a commendable all-time record of 114 wins against 141 losses and an impressive bowl record of 4 wins against 1 loss. Owlsley the Owl and Hoot the Owl serve as the team's spirited mascots and their "FAU Fight Song" song resonates throughout the stadium, adding to the team's energy. With a rich history and a vibrant fan base, the Florida Atlantic Owls continue to soar in the world of college football.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football History

The history of the Florida Atlantic Owls football program is a journey marked by determination and milestones. Established in 2001 under the visionary leadership of legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger, the Owls embarked on a mission to build a formidable football program from scratch.

Their early years saw them competing as an NCAA Division I-AA independent team before moving to Division I-A and joining the Sun Belt Conference. In 2013, FAU Athletics transitioned to Conference USA. A significant moment in their history came in 2007 when they defeated their South Florida rivals, the FIU Panthers, for the first time. This rivalry added a spark to their journey.

Under Coach Schnellenberger's guidance, the Florida Atlantic Owls achieved remarkable feats, including their first-ever bowl bid in 2007, just seven years into their football program. Coach Schnellenberger, known for setting high goals, aimed for nothing less than a national championship.

After Schnellenberger's retirement in 2011, the program continued to evolve, seeing changes in coaching leadership, including the tenure of Carl Pelini, Charlie Partridge, and Lane Kiffin. Kiffin's era brought success, with FAU winning Conference USA titles and producing consensus All-Americans. Willie Taggart took the reins in 2020, facing the challenges of a pandemic-affected season. In 2022, the program transitioned to Tom Herman as head coach, signaling a new chapter in FAU football history. Throughout their journey, the Owls have showcased resilience and a commitment to excellence, making their mark in the world of college football.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Coach

Florida Atlantic Owls Football’s current coach is Tom Herman. The Florida Atlantic Owls football program has seen a diverse lineup of head coaches who have left unique marks on the team. It all began in 2001 when legendary coach Howard Schnellenberger took the helm. Schnellenberger, renowned for his prior successes at Miami and Louisville, brought his visionary leadership to FAU. He set ambitious goals, aiming for nothing less than a national championship, and wasn't afraid to raise the bar high. Under his guidance, FAU moved from being an NCAA Division I-AA independent team to Division I-A and the Sun Belt Conference.

One of the defining moments during Schnellenberger's era was FAU's victory over their South Florida rivals, the FIU Panthers, in 2007. The team's first-ever bowl bid followed suit, making them one of the youngest programs to receive such an invitation. Following Coach Schnellenberger's retirement in 2011, FAU had a series of head coaches, including Carl Pelini, Brian Wright, Charlie Partridge, and Lane Kiffin. Each coach brought their own style and strategy to the field, contributing to the team's journey in their own way.

In 2023, the Owls welcomed Tom Herman as their new head coach, marking the beginning of a new era in FAU football. With a rich history of coaching excellence, the future looks promising for the Florida Atlantic Owls under Coach Herman's guidance.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Stadium: FAU Stadium

Florida Atlantic University's football team finds its home at the Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium, situated at the north end of FAU's main campus in Boca Raton, Florida. This state-of-the-art stadium, inaugurated in 2011, boasts a seating capacity of 29,571 enthusiastic fans. The highest recorded attendance, an impressive 30,991, was achieved during a game against UCF on September 17, 2022.

The stadium's playing surface is covered with Celebration Bermuda Turf Grass, providing an ideal field for thrilling football action. It's not just a place for football; it's the cornerstone of FAU's broader "Innovation Village" project, emphasizing its importance beyond the game. Funding for this $70 million facility was sourced from various avenues, including student fees, private donations, and naming rights partnerships. The stadium's delayed construction finally commenced in 2010, and it opened its gates to fans in 2011.

In addition to hosting FAU's home games, FAU Stadium has become the venue for the Boca Raton Bowl, featuring teams from different conferences, including Conference USA, the American Athletic Conference, and the Mid-American Conference. Moreover, it was once the home ground for Major League Lacrosse's Florida Launch from 2014 to 2018.

In honor of the legendary Howard Schnellenberger, the founding coach of FAU's football program, the playing surface bears his name, Howard Schnellenberger Field. Schnellenberger's enduring legacy is celebrated at this remarkable stadium, where the FIU Panthers and other teams come to test their mettle on the gridiron.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Rivals

Florida International: Shula Bowl

The Florida Atlantic Owls Football team shares an intense rivalry with the FIU Panthers, a clash known as the Shula Bowl. This annual showdown has been a tradition since its inception in 2002. Named in honor of the legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, the game is a fierce battle for supremacy.

The Shula Bowl alternates between being hosted in Boca Raton and Miami and sometimes other locations within the Miami metropolitan area. It's not just about the bragging rights; there's a prestigious prize at stake – the Don Shula Award, given to the victorious team.

As of the 2019 season, these two teams have faced each other 17 times, with Florida Atlantic holding a commanding 13-4 lead in the series. It's worth noting that FIU's victory in the 2005 game was later vacated due to NCAA violations and penalties. The Shula Bowl is more than just a football game; it's a battle for honor and recognition between the FIU Panthers and the Florida Atlantic Owls.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Records and states

The Florida Atlantic Owls Football team has compiled a historical record of 114 wins and 141 losses, maintaining a winning percentage of .447. In bowl games, they've excelled with a remarkable 4-1 record, boasting an impressive .800 winning percentage. Additionally, the Owls have clinched three Conference titles in 2007, 2017, and 2019, demonstrating their competitiveness within their conference. Furthermore, they secured two Division titles in 2017 and 2019, showcasing their prowess within their respective divisions. These records underscore the team's resilience and commitment to success throughout their football journey.

Conference championships

Division championships

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Roster

The 2023 Florida Atlantic Owls Football roster features a talented lineup ready for the season's challenges. On the offensive team, key players include senior quarterback B. Ballard, freshman quarterback C. Cruver, and junior quarterback M. Johnson Jr. R. Armes and K. Lewis fortify the running back position, while J. Burton and A. Cobb lead the wide receiver corps. In the tight end positions, C. Boatwright and E. Brown bring their skills to the team. The offensive line features A. Atcavage, O. Dubre, and C. Saint-Jean.

On the defensive side, the Owls boast a formidable lineup with players like M. Bradley and C. Jones is on the defensive line. A. Kocher adds depth to the defensive end position, while E. Anderson and J. Merrifield strengthen the defensive line. In the linebacker position, J. Church and M. Joseph provide essential support. The secondary is anchored by D. McClendon, M. Antoine Jr., D. Stevens, and F. Scott, with A. Wansley contributes to safety. Special teams are in capable hands with R. Hammond III and C. Davis as kickers and T. Coad and N. Marino as long snappers. In the upcoming season, this well-rounded roster is prepared to face challenges, including their perennial rivals, the FIU Panthers.

Florida Atlantic Owls Football Schedule

The Florida Atlantic Owls Football team is gearing up for an exciting 2023 season with a diverse schedule ahead. They kicked off the season with a resounding victory against Monmouth, winning 42-20, setting the tone for the year with a 1-0 record. Unfortunately, they faced a setback in their second game against Ohio, losing 17-10, bringing their record to 1-1.

Looking ahead, the Owls have some challenging matchups against formidable opponents. On September 16, they are set to face Clemson at Memorial Stadium in a game that promises intense competition. They will then travel to Illinois on September 23 for another exciting showdown at Memorial Stadium. As the season progresses, FAU will host Tulsa, UTSA, East Carolina, and Tulane at FAU Stadium. They will also hit the road to take on South Florida, Charlotte, UAB, and Rice in various locations. One highly anticipated game that fans eagerly await is their matchup against their arch-rivals, the FIU Panthers, though the date is yet to be announced. The 2023 season is poised to bring thrilling moments and exciting football action for the Florida Atlantic Owls.