A top 25 passing outfit nationally in 2008, the Owls are again awash in skill-position tools. Fourth-year starter Rusty Smith, the Motor City Bowl MVP, threw for over 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns, though he has to complete better than 53.8 percent of his tosses for FAU to thrive.

Cortez Gent is the undisputed top wide receiver target, averaging 62 catches and a shade over 1,000 in the past two years. The Owls are unusual in that they can roll out not one, not two, but three productive tight ends in Jamari Grant, Rob Housler and Jason Harmon. Harmon, a senior, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2008 spring game but reeled in 63 passes in 2007.

The dilemma for Darryl Jackson, who was promoted from receivers coach to offensive coordinator, is striking a pass-run balance minus 1,000-yard rusher Charles Pierre. With Jeff Blanchard sidelined by a torn ACL, Willie Floyd has first crack at tailback, while fullback Willie Rose is content to blaze a trail and pick up a hard yard.

FAU’s offensive line did a terrific job of protecting Smith last year, and enough veteran elements return for a repeat. Lavoris Williams is back at left tackle, but massive senior right tackle Carl Spitale (340 pounds), a role player last season, is the key to the unit.

Defense

The graduation of linebacker Frantz Joseph, the second-leading tackler in the nation, is the deepest of six holes the Owls must fill in the front seven. Junior Daniel Joseph (no relation to Frantz), a former walk-on, came on strong at the end of last season at defensive end. He flanks the lone returning starter on the line, Josh Savidge.

The linebacker corps has to be completely reconstituted. Senior Edward Bradwell’s first start of 2008 was the Motor City Bowl, but he’s a veritable veteran next to juniors Michael Lockley and Malik Eugene.

Former Freshman All-American Tavious Polo lost his starting corner slot to Tarvoris Hill early last season, but now both are linchpins in the Owls’ best defensive unit. Junior Ed Alexander returns at free safety, while Austin Jensen and Rod Huggins duel for strong safety consideration.

Florida Atlantic ranked in the lowest 10th in the FBS in sacks and tackles for a loss in 2008; neither category looks ready for an uptick this fall. A lot is riding on the experienced secondary to provide run support and create some turnovers.

Specialists

Senior Keegan Peterson sufficed as punter last fall, netting 38.3 yards per boot. He could be pushed by Micky Groody. The Owls are in the market for a field goal specialist since Warley Leroy graduated; junior Ross Gornall and freshman Matthew McLaughlin are in the hunt. FAU got very little out of the return game in 2008, but Polo returns as the primary punt returner.

Final Analysis

It’s easy to forget that this is only Florida Atlantic’s fourth season in the FBS, considering that coach Howard Schnellenberger has guided the program to consecutive bowl victories. Now, however, the standards are starting to rise. The Owls frankly underachieved by finishing in a tie for third in the Sun Belt Conference last year, and the pressure will fall on the offense to do that well this time around.

The Smith-to-Gent air route should be fruitful, and no one in the league can boast of a better raft of tight ends. But FAU must show it can at least slow the run with a revamped front seven, or the Owls will have a tough time contending for a Sun Belt title.

This preview appears in the 2009 Athlon Sports National Magazine. Click here to order yours today.