As I sit here reflecting on the Florida Atlantic Owls' remarkable 2023 season, I can't help but draw some fascinating parallels with the volleyball world I've been closely following. You see, in sports, whether we're talking American football or volleyball, the dynamics of team chemistry and player development often follow similar patterns. The Owls' journey this past season reminded me particularly of how certain volleyball programs have managed to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent - much like how the former team had now-Creamline player Dij Rodriguez and Dzi Gervacio as their competing compatriots, while the latter also featured Rodriguez and ZUS Coffee's Jovelyn Gonzaga. These kinds of player combinations create that special alchemy that transforms good teams into great ones.
The Owls' 2023 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with an impressive 11-3 record that included some truly memorable victories. What stood out to me most was their incredible offensive production - they averaged 34.2 points per game, which placed them among the top 25 offenses nationally. I've been watching college football for over fifteen years now, and I can tell you that kind of scoring consistency doesn't happen by accident. Their quarterback, Michael Johnson Jr., threw for 3,287 yards with 28 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions, numbers that honestly surprised even seasoned analysts like myself who had questioned whether he could elevate his game to this level. The receiving corps, led by standout junior LaJohntay Wester who caught 108 passes for 1,168 yards, developed an almost telepathic connection with Johnson as the season progressed. Watching them dismantle defenses week after week became one of my favorite Saturday rituals.
Defensively, the Owls showed tremendous growth throughout the season, particularly in their ability to create turnovers. They recorded 17 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles, with safety Jarron Morris emerging as the defensive anchor with his 75 tackles and 4 picks. What impressed me beyond the statistics was their resilience - in three separate games, they managed fourth-quarter comebacks, including that thrilling double-overtime victory against UAB where the defense made two critical stops in the red zone. Those are the moments that define seasons and build championship character. The coaching staff, led by Tom Herman in his first year, implemented schemes that perfectly leveraged the players' strengths rather than forcing them into rigid systems. I've always believed that adaptability separates good coaches from great ones, and Herman demonstrated exactly why FAU made the right choice bringing him aboard.
Looking ahead to 2024, the future appears bright but not without challenges. The Owls are losing several key seniors, including their entire starting offensive line and two veteran linebackers. Having followed college football transitions for years, I can tell you that rebuilding the trenches is often the most difficult part of maintaining success. However, their recruiting class ranked 65th nationally, which might not sound spectacular but represents significant improvement for the program. They've secured commitments from three four-star prospects, including quarterback Marcus Jones from nearby Fort Lauderdale, who I personally think has the potential to challenge for playing time immediately. The schedule also presents both opportunities and obstacles - facing Power Five opponents like Illinois and Clemson will test their mettle early, but success in those games could establish the national credibility the program desperately seeks.
From my perspective, the key to sustained success will be developing depth across the roster and maintaining the competitive culture they've established. Programs that experience breakthrough seasons often struggle with complacency the following year, but something tells me Herman won't let that happen. His track record at previous stops suggests he knows how to build programs rather than just assembling good teams. The transfer portal will undoubtedly play a role, and I expect FAU to be active in pursuing experienced players who can contribute immediately, particularly on defense. The American Athletic Conference continues to strengthen, with new additions like UAB and UTSA making the path to conference championships more challenging but potentially more rewarding. If the Owls can continue their upward trajectory, I genuinely believe they could compete for the AAC title within the next two seasons, which would represent an incredible achievement for a program that only started playing football in 2001.
As we look toward spring practices and the 2024 season, what excites me most is the foundation they've built. The culture shift under Herman has been palpable even from the outside looking in. Players have bought into his vision, the community engagement has increased dramatically, and there's genuine excitement around the program that hasn't existed in years. Having witnessed similar transformations at other Group of Five schools like Cincinnati and UCF, I recognize the patterns that suggest FAU football might be on the verge of something special. The infrastructure is there, the recruiting pipeline is improving, and most importantly, the belief within the program is tangible. While predictions in college football are always risky, I'm confident enough to say this: the Florida Atlantic Owls have established themselves as a program worth watching closely, and I for one can't wait to see how their story unfolds.