Can it be de ja vu? All over again.
Last year, Florida Atlantic upset Hawaii in the season opener as a huge underdog - closing out at anywhere from +23 to +25.5.
Can the Owls do it again? I think they have a decent shot at the upset.
Yes, Kansas is a BCS school and FAU is a provisional IA member in the SBC, but the Owls are familiar with the upset...even on the road. Of course that is all in the past and this year's squad is a lot less experienced.
The Jayhawks have new unis to go with a new attitude. They tasted a winning season in '03 under HC Mangino and saw injuries derail their O last year while seeing improvements on D. The expectations are higher in a parity- infected Big XII North.
KU's D does look solid with an experienced LB corps and a star in CB Gordon. I'm not entirely convinced with their line however.
FAU loses a lot of key personnel from their off. attack, but there are players that can fill the void. HC Schnellenberger has recruited a lotta prepsters - as opposed to going the JUCO route - and there are a number of young players who will contribute this year...WR Simeon being one. Simeon looks to be their go-to-guy at wideout. WR Parker is getting healthy and TE Dareus will give them another option. Redshirt frosh Souverain will get some time at signal-caller but look for Embick to finally have his time to shine. The Owls will look to utilize both QB's mobility.
The Jayhawk QB position is unsettled but Barmann looks decent if he can stay healthy. RB Green gives them a capable back but their receivers are unproven.
The Owl D is small...heck, I think Air Force is bigger on D than they are. But they are an athletic, active D. This is the best secondary in the SBC and despite Gordon, is better than the KU's. FAU also has playmakers in DE Pinnick and MLB Earl.
I think the Owls rate the edge in special teams as long as PK Kennard pulls through.
And of course FAU has Schnellenberger as well as Gary Nord, their OC.
Florida Atlantic +24
Last year, Florida Atlantic upset Hawaii in the season opener as a huge underdog - closing out at anywhere from +23 to +25.5.
Can the Owls do it again? I think they have a decent shot at the upset.
Yes, Kansas is a BCS school and FAU is a provisional IA member in the SBC, but the Owls are familiar with the upset...even on the road. Of course that is all in the past and this year's squad is a lot less experienced.
The Jayhawks have new unis to go with a new attitude. They tasted a winning season in '03 under HC Mangino and saw injuries derail their O last year while seeing improvements on D. The expectations are higher in a parity- infected Big XII North.
KU's D does look solid with an experienced LB corps and a star in CB Gordon. I'm not entirely convinced with their line however.
FAU loses a lot of key personnel from their off. attack, but there are players that can fill the void. HC Schnellenberger has recruited a lotta prepsters - as opposed to going the JUCO route - and there are a number of young players who will contribute this year...WR Simeon being one. Simeon looks to be their go-to-guy at wideout. WR Parker is getting healthy and TE Dareus will give them another option. Redshirt frosh Souverain will get some time at signal-caller but look for Embick to finally have his time to shine. The Owls will look to utilize both QB's mobility.
The Jayhawk QB position is unsettled but Barmann looks decent if he can stay healthy. RB Green gives them a capable back but their receivers are unproven.
The Owl D is small...heck, I think Air Force is bigger on D than they are. But they are an athletic, active D. This is the best secondary in the SBC and despite Gordon, is better than the KU's. FAU also has playmakers in DE Pinnick and MLB Earl.
I think the Owls rate the edge in special teams as long as PK Kennard pulls through.
And of course FAU has Schnellenberger as well as Gary Nord, their OC.
Florida Atlantic +24
