By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Marlon Maurisset-The Mojo Network)
The Florida Atlantic Owls fell to the undefeated Memphis Tigers on Saturday night, 54-26. With the win, Memphis improved to 5-0 and picked up its first conference victory of the season, while FAU dropped to 2-3.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading scores. However, FAU’s defense showed early signs of vulnerability against the run, surrendering 121 rushing yards before halftime. Those struggles only worsened after the break.
On the Tigers’ first drive of the second half, running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. broke free for a 90-yard touchdown run—the longest of his career—to extend the lead to 24-16. FAU answered with a 29-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 24-19, but Memphis quickly responded. Quarterback Brendon Lewis found Cortez Braham Jr. for an 18-yard touchdown to stretch the advantage once again.
The Owls kept fighting, with Xavier Terrell punching in a 1-yard touchdown run to keep it close. But that would be the last score for FAU’s offense. Memphis closed out the game in dominant fashion, scoring on its final four drives to put the contest out of reach.
The Tigers imposed their will on the ground, finishing with 291 rushing yards as a team. Desrosiers led the charge with a career night—204 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Lewis was equally effective, throwing for 196 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover, while also adding 60 rushing yards and two more scores.
For the Owls, there was at least one bright spot in the loss. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp showed poise through the air, throwing for 318 yards with no interceptions. Still, FAU’s inability to contain the run proved too much to overcome.
Memphis remains undefeated heading deeper into conference play, while FAU will look to regroup and tighten up its defense against the run as the season progresses.