It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the Owls, as they’ve lost back-to-back games against Conference USA foes Marshall and Louisiana Tech.

But if FAU wants to inject hope back into its season, it needs to start tonight with a strong showing against a red-hot FIU squad.

The cross-county schools have had a entertaining rivalry over the years, with the Owls leading the series 11-5.

FAU blew out FIU 55-24 at home last season, and running back Devin Singletary rushed for 164 yards and two scores.

However, the 2018 Owls’ offense doesn’t look like the same explosive unit from a season ago. And it starts with quarterback play.

Redshirt freshman signal caller Chris Robison has been loose with the football this season, throwing 10 interceptions to only eight touchdowns. He needs to make good decisions and accurate throws tonight for FAU to have a chance of beating an FIU team riding a four-game win streak.

While the FAU running game led by Singletary and Kerrith Whyte has been dynamic, Robison and the receiving corps need to start producing for the Owls’ offense to get back on track.  

The FAU defense has held up well since losing star linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to a season-ending knee injury. While the box score might read otherwise, the Owls have given opposing offenses trouble in moving the ball.

Tomorrow will be a tough test for defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro’s unit, however, as the Panthers are scoring 36.1 points per game – third in C-USA.

This game could turn out to be an old fashioned shootout with both offenses having explosive scoring potential. Coach Lane Kiffin hopes his Owls are armed for the challenge.

FAU can move to 2-3 in conference play with a crucial road victory against FIU tonight.

Kickoff at Riccardo Silva Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.

Zachary Weinberger is a staff writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @ZachWeinberger