Head Coach: Tom Herman, 1st year: 0-0, 7th year overall: 54-22
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Florida Atlantic Owls Preview 2023
The Florida Atlantic Owls are entering a new era in 2023, with new head coach Tom Herman taking over the program. Herman is a proven winner, having led Texas to a Big 12 championship in 2018. He will be looking to bring that same success to FAU, which is coming off a 5-7 season in 2022.
The Owls have some key returning players who will be important to their success in 2023. Quarterback Rhett Lashlee is back for his second season as a starter. He threw for 2,723 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022. Running back Ja'Quavion Fraziars is also back after rushing for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
The Owls will also have a strong receiving corps in 2023. Trevon Grimes is a big-play receiver who caught 53 passes for 814 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022. Brandon Marshall is another experienced receiver who caught 41 passes for 515 yards and three touchdowns last season.
The Owls' defense will be led by linebacker Caliphah Tanyi. Tanyi was a second-team All-Conference USA selection in 2022 after recording 78 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Defensive back Isaiah Morley is another key player on defense. Morley had 63 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in 2022.
The Owls have a tough schedule in 2023, but they have the talent to be competitive. They will open the season against Monmouth and Ohio, and they will also face Clemson, Illinois, and UTSA. If the Owls can win some of those tough games, they could be in contention for a bowl berth.
Key Players
- Rhett Lashlee, QB
- Ja'Quavion Fraziars, RB
- Trevon Grimes, WR
- Brandon Marshall, WR
- Caliphah Tanyi, LB
- Isaiah Morley, DB
Team Statistics
- 2022 Overall Record: 5-7
- 2022 Offense: 352.3 yards per game
- 2022 Defense: 374.8 yards per game
Prediction
The Owls have the talent to be a bowl team in 2023. However, their schedule is tough, and they will need to stay healthy if they want to make a run at a conference championship. I predict the Owls will win 7 games in 2023.