FAU fell short in a 20-17 Sun Belt Conference loss to University of Louisiana at Monroe on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La.
On its first drive, FAU (1-4, 0-2) drove down the field, but ULM linebackerTheo Smith cut the Owls’ drive short as he intercepted quarterback Jeff Van Camp’s pass at the one-yard line.
Late in the first quarter, ULM (2-3) faked a punt as punter Aaron Munoz passed to third-string quarterbackZach Rhodesfor 56 yards, which set up the Warhawks on the FAU five-yard line.
However, the first quarter remained scoreless, as ULM quarterback Kolton Browning was hit by defensive lineman Jarvis Givens. Givens’ hit forced a fumble that was recovered by FAU defensive end Cory Henry.
On the next play, a high snap missed Van Camp’s hands and rolled to the FAU one-yard line, where Van Camp recovered.
Van Camp was sacked on the ensuing play as Warhawks defensive end Ken Dorsey got to him in the end zone for a safety, giving ULM a 2-0 lead.
The Warhawks continued to build on their lead with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Browning to wide receiver Brent Leonard.
FAU had a glimmer of hope as corner back Tavious Polo intercepted a touchdown pass on the FAU one-yard line later in the quarter, but FAU failed to score on the next drive.
ULM topped off a first-half shutout with a 20-yard field goal by kicker Radi Jabour, making the score 12-0 at the end of the first half.
FAU put its first points on the board midway through the third quarter on a 28-yard field goal by kicker Ross Gornall.
The Owls continued to score as running back Alfred Morris found his way into the end zone to make the score 12-10.
After a fake punt attempt failed, ULM found itself down when FAU took advantage of great field position with another Morris touchdown run. This one was from three yards out, and it gave FAU a 17-12 lead. Morris ended the day with 30 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
Things were looking good for FAU until Van Camp mishandled a snap as the Owls attempted to run out the clock. The ensuing fumble was recovered by the Warhawks on the ULM 45-yard line, and that set up a drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown run by running back Jyruss Edwards. A two-point conversion pass by Browning to wide recover Brent Leonard sealed the victory for ULM.
FAU takes a bye week next week and will travel to play Arkansas State University on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1:00 p.m.
