Before Saturday’s Battle of the Owls, At The Roost reached out to our Garon Bach for their Know Your Foe series.
Below is the Q&A:
ATR: Quarterback Caden Veltkamp entered the season with high expectations. How has he performed compared to those so far this year?
GB: After winning the CUSA Offensive Player of the Year last season, Veltkamp joining HC Zach Kittley seemed like a dream. However, while the Owls offense has been slinging it (eighth in the country in passing yards), it has been a major problem in the turnover game. Veltkamp has thrown eight touchdown passes, but has seven interceptions alongside.
Overall for Veltkamp, his first three games left a lot to be desired. A major problem was timing as he seemed a touch off on his throws, but after a solid performance against Memphis the redshirt junior looks to be trending in the right direction.
ATR: What’s caused the FAU defense the most trouble this year? Is there one thing in particular that’s been most challenging?
GB: A problem for FAU’s defense this season has been “the big play.” Last week was made on those for Memphis whether it be a 90-yard rushing touchdown, or 73-yard passing TD that puts the game out of reach. It seems play calling could be aggressive, maybe crashing one too many players on the line, or a CB breaking on a ball a hair too early. If Florida Atlantic wants to turn around their 1-3 start it will need to be stopping those plays that give the opposition momentum.
ATR: What’s been the biggest surprise, good or bad, from the team so far this season?
GB: The biggest surprise for me has been the defense. While young, especially in the secondary, it seemed this group was going to be better than allowing a conference second-worst 36.5 PPG. A solid corps up front has seemed to lack pressure at times, but like the FAU offense, the defense had sparks last week against Memphis. Earning three sacks in the loss, a season high against a D1 opponent, the group looks to be trending upward. But, for now, I definitely expected a better performance out of the Florida Atlantic defense this season.
ATR: Who is an under-the-radar guy Rice fans should keep an eye out for on Saturday?
GB: While maybe not “under-the-radar,” Jayshon Platt has been a major help in the FAU offense. The redshirt junior has stuck it out with Florida Atlantic and this season it seems it has paid off. The Owls second leading receiver, he is averaging 13 yards per reception, and has over 500 all-purpose yards. Did I mention he’s averaging 35 yards per return on kickoffs?
Adding a rushing touchdown to his statsheet last week, expect Platt to be one that does it all for FAU.
ATR: What’s one thing FAU has to do to win this game?
GB: Florida Atlantic must be able to stop the run. Coming into Saturday’s contest, the Owls are allowing nearly five yards a carry. Facing a triple-option offense, this already will only add another level to what FAU needs to do. The Owls defense will need to step up and keep plays in front of them. They can not allow a runner to get in the second level or things could go south quickly for an Owls defense that has had their fair share of disappointing performances.