INSIDE SLANT

Florida Atlantic will not be making a third consecutive bowl trip this season.

In a disappointing year, FAU watched its bowl eligibility hopes go down in flames Saturday in a 47-21 loss at Troy.

The Owls (3-7, 3-3 Sun Belt Conference) had another terrible day on defense. FAU gave up a program-worst 651 yards against the Trojans, surpassing the previous record of 622 yards that FAU surrendered against UAB two weeks ago.

“It was an embarrassment for our football program,” FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger said.

Troy gained 408 yards in the first half, scoring on six of eight possessions to build a 33-7 halftime lead.

“I’m crushed,” FAU senior linebacker Edward Bradwell said. “As a senior class, if we could go back and change anything, we would. I’m hurt. I’m disappointed in myself as a leader of the defense. I felt like I failed the defense.”

FAU will look to regroup in its final two conference games against Western Kentucky and Florida International. But even with two wins, FAU won’t be able to avoid its first losing season since 2006.

NOTES, QUOTES

• RB Alfred Morris set the Owls’ single-season rushing record during Saturday’s 47-21 loss to Troy, gaining 137 yards against the Trojans. Morris now has 1,112 yards, surpassing the mark set by Charles Pierre last season. Pierre became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher last season with 1,014. “Right now it’s bittersweet,” Morris said. “I know it’s a good accomplishment, but it was during a loss.”

• With the defeat, FAU dropped to 1-6 all-time against Troy.

Game Ball Goes To:   RB Alfred Morris—Morris had 137 yards rushing, including a 45-yard TD run in the first quarter.

Keep An Eye On:   SS Marcus Bartels—Bartels recorded his first career interception and had 12 tackles, passing MLB Michael Lockley for the team lead.

Quote To Note:   “Alfred is the most important guy in our offense. He pounds the ball into the ground every game. He’s tough. He’s a bruiser back. Without him, we wouldn’t have half the offensive success that we have now.”—QB Jeff VanCamp, on the play of RB Alfred Morris.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Despite being pressured for most of the game, FAU starting quarterback Jeff VanCamp had a decent day, completing 22 of 33 passes for 193 yards. VanCamp had a 3-yard touchdown run and threw a 6-yard TD pass to WR Chris Bonner. FAU was a respectable 6-for-15 on third-down conversions.

Still Needs Work:   FAU’s offensive line, solid in pass protection all season. gave up five sacks. Meanwhile, FAU continued its trend of undisciplined football, getting flagged a school-record 17 times for 156 yards. FAU’s secondary gave up 17 passing first downs. Meanwhile, the FAU pass rush recorded no sacks.

Roster Report:  

• LB David Hinds made his second straight start.

• DT Andy Czuprynski made his second consecutive start.