It’s been 286 days since FAU ended 2019 on a high note by capturing a Conference USA title and Boca Raton Bowl victory.

2020 hasn’t been easy on anyone including FAU after their season opener was delayed for 2 weeks. The Owls missed games vs Georgia Southern and USF, but it was  clearly worth the wait as Florida Atlantic defeated the Charlotte 49ers, 21-17.

The Owls season started off on a high note after  Jim Levitt and the new 3-4 defensive scheme paid dividends for Florida Atlantic. After Charlotte’s defense got a stop on 4th and 1 with 2 minutes left in the game, it was up to the Owls defense to do the same.

49ers quarterback Chris Reynolds connected with WR Victor Tucker for a long gain to get into FAU territory under the 2-minute drill.

However, the Owls defense got a much needed stop as DE Jaylen Joyner bulldozed Reynolds which set up 4th and 16 for Charlotte.

With :16 seconds remaining, the FAU defense forced Tucker out of bounds at the 2 yard line as time expired and the Owls got their first win of the season in the debut of new Head Coach, Willie Taggart.

It was a “pressure busts pipes” kind of day as Leighton McCarthy lead the FAU defense with 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

After having only 40 yards passing through the first half, QB Nick Tronti got it done as a dual threat and finished the game with 98 yards passing 2 TDs, 0 INT and 94 yards rushing on 10 carries and a TD.

WR Logan Peterson and T.J. Chase both hauled in receiving Td’s as the Owls picked up their first Conference USA win of the season. (1-0)

FAU will now prepare to travel on the road to face (0-3) Southern Miss, whom already has gone through an early coaching change. Game time is scheduled for 4pm with pregame starting at 3pm on Oct.10th.

You can catch all the action right here on Fox Sports 640 and welcome back, FAU football!