The Owls (0-1) gained only 137 yards in the final season opener for Howard
Schnellenberger, the architect of the FAU program. Following a disappointing
4-8 mark last year, Schnellenberger announced his 27th season at the helm will
be his last.
Graham Wilbert tossed for only 107 yards on 14-of-26 efficiency in defeat.
"Physically they are just a great team and an SEC opponent," Wilbert said.
"New coaches or not, they still have a stacked roster and they are going to
win a lot of games this year."
Florida's Caleb Sturgis capped a season-opening 13-play, 37-yard drive with a
51-yard field goal.
Brantley went through the air 10 times on the Gators' next possession and
completed six of his attempts, including a 14-yard TD to Rainey.
Demps' 35-yard romp to paydirt on the first play of the second quarter made it
17-0, and Rainey ran one in from 14 yards out a little later.
"You're going to see a lot of rushing yards this year, that's all I can really
say. We want to run the ball," Rainey said.
FAU went three-and-out on its first four possessions before moving the chains
on its fifth touch. Vinny Zaccario got the Owls on the board with a 27-yard
field goal, but missed a 34-yard try just before the break.
Solomon Patton blocked a punt early in the third, and Rainey was in the right
place to return it 22 yards for a 31-3 cushion.
Demps tacked on a 20-yard TD rush in the fourth, and Florida, still throwing
in a blowout, got a 29-yard field goal from Sturgis in the final two minutes.
Game Notes
Rainey had 79 yards and 11 carries and a team-high 67 yards on six catches. He
was the third FBS player in 1996 to score on a run, reception and blocked
punt...Brantley completed 21-of-30 attempts and threw two interceptions...The
Owls play their first five games on the road before hosting Western Kentucky
on October 15.
09/04 02:38:55 ET
