Defense gets some revenge in 2nd scrimmage

BOCA RATON - After being embarrassed in Florida Atlantic's first scrimmage, the defense roared back to life Wednesday, smothering the offense with aid from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay.

"We had something to prove," said defensive back Tavious Polo. "And we got a little help from the wind."

The first three series of the scrimmage were played in a driving rainstorm, and the No. 1 offense was stuffed three straight times.

"We had to battle some different elements," quarterback Rusty Smith said. "The momentum of the defense just kept rolling, and they just kept getting stronger and stronger."
The offense was shut out in the first half, but by the second half the sun was out and the wind had died down, and Smith led the offense to two touchdowns.

"We put it in twice but it wasn't good enough to dig ourselves out of the hole," said Smith, who was 6 of 13 for 91 yards and one touchdown.

The defense was playing without five starters, but the backups filled in well, and limited the offense to two touchdowns after getting run over for six in Saturday's scrimmage.

"The defense came out and demonstrated a lot more drive and enthusiasm and rallying to the ball and things that you have to do to be a good defensive football team," coach Howard Schnellenberger said.

This was the second and final scrimmage of the preseason for the Owls, who open the season Aug. 30 at No. 11 Texas.

Edgecomb back

RB DiIvory Edgecomb had missed nearly a week of practices and did not play Saturday, but showed little rust.

He gained 56 yards on five carries, including a 21-yard touchdown for the first score by the offense.

 

Injuries mount

The offensive line lost two starters on the same play, as center Nick Paris and guard Kevin Miller were both helped off the field in the first half.

Paris was taken to the hospital for X-rays of his foot, and Miller had a sprained knee and will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Schnellenberger said both could be serious.

Linebackers Frantz Joseph (shoulder) and Andre Clark (knee), defensive end Robert St. Claire (knee) and defensive back Corey Small (personal) did not participate, and defensive end Jermaine Council (bruised ribs) was limited.