Sept. 4, 2008

Florida Atlantic opens the 2008 home season this Saturday at 4 p.m. against the University of Alabama-Birmingham. “Rally Alley” will be in full swing along with special promotions including “Youth Day” and a salute to America’s soldiers. The game will be carried by WFTL 640 AM in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties and will air on WPSL 1590 in the Port St. Lucie area. The broadcast may also be heard at www.fausports.com

 Youth Day is from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium, just prior to kickoff of the season home opener. The first 350 kids through the gates will receive a free FAU football jersey. Children will be able to participate in carnival rides, games, and will have the opportunity to meet Angelica from Nickelodeon’s “Rugrats”. 

Anyone who wishes to donate merchandise and letters to the “Any Soldier” campaign can do so this weekend at FAU’s home opener. A collection box will be set up on the south side of Lockhart Stadium.

Sept. 3, 2008

 Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, with Coach
Coach Schnellenberger
We came out of last week's game without anyone in a body bag. Rusty could have been the worst, but it turns out he is ok. The transition from our game down in Austin to our practice field has been good. I think the kids are very upset with themselves as I am with myself as a coach and my assistant coaches for not being able to play a more representative game against Texas than we did. That has translating into a new effort on part of the team, coaches and myself. We will prepare well for this team in an effort to come out with a different result. I explained that 50% of the teams in the nation have one loss and by season's end 98.7% of the team's will have a loss or close to that. That game is one that we have to mark up as experience and learn from it and get the start of our winning ways. Practice was good on Sunday and the off day was good for class and Tuesday was a very good workout. We are inticipating that to continue through the week.

We are playing a team that is very memorable of the Memphis game last year. It's strength is probably on its offense and it's throwing game. Their running game begins with the quarterback. He is going to need to be the guy that needs to be slowed down if not stopped particularly in the running game to force him to throw it and play defense. Obviously, a good pass rush will go a long way in making a win possible. We need to start itercepting footballs and causing fumbles.

Offensively, we have to finish up what we start. Don't leave it on the ground or throw it to them or drop one or let the drive stop. A high percentage of touchdown to possession wasn't very good last week and that has to be our long suit. All of our players have a great upside. They can play a lot better. If we do, we will have a chance to win.

Kevin Miller
Starting at Center this Week
I like to play guard, but they tell me my natural postion is center. I worked at center over the summer just in case I needed to go there. It should be a problem for me. I'm not nervous at all. I just can't wait to tell you the truth.

A little about Texas
We faught hard. Every play we had to fight for everything. Those boys in Texas were really good. We did some good things, but they got us every now and then. When we watched films, we saw a lot of things to be proud of.

What do you take from a game like Texas?
The talent that we were up against, now I know what to look for because we have played against somebody at that level. I was amazed at the level that they played. On the first play I saw how they came off the ball and the intensity that they played and that brought my game up. I have tried to take that level through this week in practice and hopefully I can top that level.

UAB's front
It will be a tough match-up. We aren't taking anyone lightly. It will be a fight in the trenches. It should be a good game.

Running Game
There was misunderstandings last week. We have watched a ton of film. We know what we are doing. Yesterday in practice we had a good practice with the calls and everybody is focused. I thought we were focused last week, but we are really zoned in.

You moving to center Matlock moves back to guard
Matlock and I work real well together. We did well last year at Troy and we did pretty good together at Texas.

UAB's importance
As far as I know we are the underdogs. Whether we are or not, we are going to show up ready to play, that is just how I am. I don't really care who we are playing. I really didn't get much sleep last night because all I could think about was getting out there for warmups and getting that first snap out of the way. It's not nervousness. I just love football. The only night I really get a good night's sleep is Friday night, the night before the game.

Sept. 2, 2008

The Florida Atlantic University football team practiced for 2 hours and 45 minutes in a stiff breeze and humid conditions at the Tom Oxley Practice Field today. This was the first practice since Saturday's season opening game.

After punt protection and cover drills the team began preparation for UAB with 7 on 7 drills and full scrimmage drills. Players on the two deep were given nearly equal repetitions today as Avery Holley had an active and productive day from his receiver position.

Florida Atlantic will welcome the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers to Lockhart Stadium on Saturday September 6th with kickoff at 4 p.m. The game is the home opener for FAU and will be the first match-up between the two teams.

In addition to the FAU-UAB game, September 6th is Youth Day and the first 350 kids to arrive will receive a free FAU football jersey. Children will be able to participate in carnival rides and games, as well as have the opportunity to see Angelica from Nickelodeon show "Rugrats". For more information or for tickets call 1-866-FAU-Owls.