Ask the Expert: The Owl's Nest gives their take on Saturday's game
Florida Atlantic (0-2, 1-5) comes into Huntington after dropping games its previous three games by a mere 11 points combined.
Herdnation.com goes in-depth with an expert that covers Marshall's upcoming opponent. We caught up with The Owl’s Nest Rick Henderson to get his take on Saturday's match-up.
How solid of a footing is Charlie Partridge on at FAU given his on-the-field struggles?
Partridge was welcomed with open arms, and is a stand-up guy. He is a very good leader, communicator, and motivator. He has helped raise the bar to all-time levels with regards to player performance in both classroom and intrapersonal settings. However those traits have obviously not produced progress on the field or the win column. Athletic leadership has been supportive of Partridge despite his current mark of 7-23 as the Owls’ head coach. Athletic Director Pat Chun issued this statement when asked a similar question by our friend Matthew DeFranks at the Sentinel the day following FAU’s loss in Shula Bowl XV. "We believe we have the people in place and the student-athletes in place to get it fixed. We have another Saturday to try to rectify it and start building some momentum."
Of course this was before the Owls lost to Charlotte 28-23 at home, a team that had only led :50 seconds for the entire season prior to arriving in Boca Raton. Given the feasible chance to change head coach, I am confident that the switch would be made. Regardless, it won’t matter, as the real issue lies within the fact that Partridge is on a contract which ends at the end of the 2018, and ties the department to a pay out of over $1M to see him off at present. That said, he is not going anywhere unless the money comes from another angle. FAU simply doesn’t have the guns in the athletic donor area to make it happen another way.
How does the FAU fanbase feel about the direction of the program?
Until recently, there was solid support, although that has shifted substantially this season, and especially since the recent trio of losses you mentioned that were initially pegged as wins: Ball State, FIU, and Charlotte. Since then you have what I would label as three distinct camps. The diehards are fervently against where we are going and want Partridge out immediately, the moderates are strongly discontent with direction, but would like to see a fourth year on his contract to allow for proper “protocol”. Lastly, there is the always present “homer” crowd that will cheer with no remorse even if the team loses 100-0. Since FAU’s fan base is mostly filled with the diehards, the rough percentages would probably align to something like 65% out now, 25% stick it out, and 10% homer time.
FAU has been extremely close to breaking through in each of it’s last three games. What’s been the biggest thing keeping the Owls from getting back into the win column?
I know what I am about to say isn’t going to fall into the arena of tangible statistical wisdom, but at core it is a lack of killer instinct, coupled with the disease of self meltdown, particularly in the 4th quarter. We have shown no consistent ability to finish teams off for the last three seasons - it goes well beyond the last few games. Sure, the surface issues may be turnovers at times, sloppy tackling, inability to counter punch offensively, etc, but when you slice it all up, in the end it’s simply failed execution. Our teams have had a solid overall talent level when compared to most others in the league. There is really no excuse for it.
When you look at this game with Marshall, what are your biggest match-up concerns for FAU?
Emotions and desire, coupled with past history repeating itself from an intangible perspective. Marshall has a historical vantage of primarily dominance, and I am not sure what is left in the emotional gas tank for the Owls after last weekend. That said, my answer may surprise you. Considering our inability to stop anything that moves from gaining yards on the ground I expect certain elements of Marshall’s rushing playbook to see the dust wiped off on Saturday. There is always a reason a team chooses not to do something. Looking at the matchup there, it is much more favorable than it has been against previous Herd opponents. Besides, where the Owls will shine is likely in the secondary. Keion Davis may have a season high in yardage when it is all said and done.
How do you see FAU attacking Marshall?
Same, a good dose of ground attack via Buddy Howell. What could possibly change this week are slight shifts in the passing attack as well - particularly some downfield shots. How the receivers perform in routes, and the time Driskel (or possibly Parr at some point) have to get to them will be key. Our offensive line continues to be hobbled and is going through a crash course in successful coverage play while experiencing shuffling.
Lastly, what is your score prediction and breakdown for Saturday?
Really wish I could say that this is the game the Owls step it up and pull out the upset on the road. Just don’t see it happening. Look for Marshall to return to form with a win, and FAU to make it an even six pack in straight losses. Owls 22 Herd 34