Three Keys to Victory: Florida Atlantic
Slow down Singletary: Florida Atlantic running back Devin Singletary is having a season for the ages. Singletary has ran for 1,256 yards and 19 touchdowns on the year. The 19 touchdowns lead the nation. He leads an Owl rushing attack that is running for 284 yards per game. The Tech defense is giving up 185 yards per game on the ground which isn’t exactly placing fear in the minds of opposing offenses. If Tech can’t figure out a way to slow down Singletary and his fellow running mates, the Owls will have a field day on the ground Saturday.
Adjust at the Half: Louisiana Tech has struggled mightily coming out of the half throughout the year. In the previous five games Tech has managed only 10 points from an offensive perspective. For the season, Tech has only accumulated 24 points in nine games in the third quarter. If the Bulldogs are going to manage any type of run to a bowl game, the third quarter scoring number must improve. Florida Atlantic has had struggles of their own scoring in the third quarter. If Tech can have the most success coming out of the half it may very well determine the outcome of Saturday’s contest.
Protect the Quarterback: While Tech faced a bad North Texas defense on Saturday, the Mean Green managed to cause a plethora of problems for the Bulldog offensive line on Saturday. Although J’Mar Smith was only sacked twice, he faced pressure in his face for much of the day. North Texas piled up seven tackles for loss to go along with those two sacks. Tech must give Smith time to set his feet in the pocket so that he can push the ball down the field to his deep threat Rhashid Bonnette. The Florida Atlantic defense Tech will face on Saturday isn’t an extremely good pass rushing defense but what havoc they do create has forced opposing quarterbacks to throw 18 interceptions. The 18 interceptions lead the FBS. For a Tech offense line that has had struggled due to various reasons, they will need to give J’Mar a clean pocket throughout the day to limit the offensive mistakes.