Coach Bambini

[NickBam]

AP - Florida Atlantic University has hired a new coach. University of Miami graduate and Quarterback coach, Nick Bambini. Coach Bambini will have a tough task picking the Owls out of the Sun Belt gutter. Most publications predict FAU to finish 7th of the 8 Sun Belt teams. In an interview Coach Bambini was stated as saying, "FAU doesn't have much tradition in anything here. I am here to make them a Sun Belt powerhouse and take them Bowling. As long as the kids listen, we'll do great things. We have some rough opponents this year in non-conference played with two Texas teams, A&M and TCU. It's going to be a fun year, we have the talent." The real story is the young backfield and how it will produce. Highly touted true freshman James Pruitt will battle redshirt freshman Frankie Johnson. At the helm of the offense is senior Erron Darragh. The defense is led by senior OLB Rich Mulligan. The Owls open up their season at Central Michigan.

[NickBam]

Here's a look into the offense of the Owls of Florida Atlantic.

QB Senior Erron Darragh
Could be a tough year if we have to rely on him to bring us back, hopefully the running game will help set the pace. His accuracy just isn't good. Backup juniors R-Kal Franklin and Anthony Moses could be counted on this year.

RB RS Frosh Frankie Johnson and True Frosh James Pruitt
Pruitt was a surprise pickup by last years coaching staff, a high caliber player with a high ceiling. He would've been redshirted but RS frosh Frankie Johnson may not be better. Both will get a lot of carries, especially in the opener to see who will get the majority of the carries in their four years as an Owl.

FB Junior Jerry Manuel and Senior Kevin Lang
Jerry is the real deal at fullback. He can carry the ball and clear the path for Frankie and Pruitt. Lang is very capable himself, but just not nearly as athletic and talented as Manuel. Manuel is also the short yardage RB.

WR Soph Gary Goodridge, Senior Derrick Scott and Senior Harold Perkins
Not a whole lot here, if the passing game is good, it will be a surprise to this coaching staff. But with a good running game, it could open up a play action offense. Goodridge is the star of the three, with the high potential while the other two are maxed out.

TE Senior Travis Rose
Well, his long snapping is his best attribute, probably won't see many balls.

OL Junior Mark Heard, Senior Danny Harvey, Senior Dave Hasselbeck, Soph Lemual Wilson, Soph Rob Cooke
The left side of the line with Heard and Harvey are going to be counted on heavily to clear room for Frankie, Pruitt and Manuel. Both are very capable to do that too.

K Frosh Kevin Wiley
Well, hes got a lot of potential, but lets hope we don't have to count on the true freshman too much this year.

[NickBam]

Heres a look at your 2005 Florida Atlantic Owl Defense

DL Junior DE Keith Hart, Senior DT Tim Okanlawon, Soph DT Jerry Woodson, Senior DE Joe Heard, RS Frosh DE Steve Faaola
DE Keith Hart is the stud this year and will look to lock up QB's. Steve Faaola has a ton of potential and could be one of the finest defensive players FAU has produced when its all said and done.

LB Senior OLB Rich Milligan, Junior OLB Terrance Drake, Junior MLB Reggie Watson, Senior OLB Jim Allen
Milligan is the leader of the defense at OLB. Milligan, out of Niceville, FL will try to the be the opposite of his hometown to opposing offenses this year. Not a whole lot here.

DB Junior CB Cory Faneca, Soph CB Elbert Smith, Junior FS Sean Teague, Senior SS Jack Lawrence
Not the most talented group, but Smith could become something down the line.

P Junior Carl Tillman
Decent boot on this kid, he'll probably see a bit of action as we'll probably be playing the field position game a lot this year.

[NickBam]

2005 Florida Atlantic Schedule
Week 1 @ Central Michigan
2 @ Central Florida
3 Bye
4 @ Louisana-Monroe
5 @ Arkansas State
6 @ Middle Tennesse State
7 Vs. Troy
8 Bye
9 @ Texas Christian
10 Vs. North Texas
11 Bye
12 Vs. Louisana-Lafeyette
13 @ Texas A&M
14 @ Florida International
15

Preseason Top 25
1. Michigan
2. Florida
3. Miami
4. LSU
5. Georgia
6. USC
7. Texas
8. Auburn
9. Purdue
10. Florida State
11. Ole Miss
12. Notre Dame
13. Oklahoma
14. Wisconsin
15. Boston College
16. Nebraska
17. Ohio State
18. Alabama
19. Minnesota
20. Virginia Tech
21. Missouri
22. Tennessee
23. Clemson
24. Iowa
25. Miss State
Coach Bambini's 2005 National Championship Prediction
I'm going to say the Hurricanes of Miami are going to knock off USC in the Rose Bowl this year by a TD.

Next: Kickoff of Owl Football