Boca Raton Bowl 2019: 3 takeaways from FAU’s big win over SMU

3. FAU quarterback Chris Robison rocked the SMU defense

A lot of talk entering this game centered on SMU quarterback Shane Buechele, who ranked in the top 10 nationally in passing yards and passing touchdowns. The defense rendered him largely ineffective (more on that later), opening the door for his FAU counterpart to shine as the best quarterback on the field.

Chris Robison didn’t post numbers quite as gaudy in the 2019 regular season, but he too helped guide his team to a 10-win season. Robison, however, saved one of his best games of the season for the Boca Raton Bowl. With his arm and with his legs, Robison came up big against the SMU defense.

Robison finished with 271 yards through the air as he completed 27 of his 37 passing attempts. During the game, Robison passed Rusty Smith as the most prolific passer in FAU history in terms of completions and passing yards. The Owls quarterback threw two touchdown passes, and most importantly he avoided turning over the ball to the Mustangs. In the end, Robison performed so well that he was able to take an early rest once the game was out of reach.

Robison added 28 yards on eight carries, helping keep the chains moving with his legs as well as his arm as he finished with more than 300 yards of total offense. It was an impressive display that put Conference USA and the rest of the Owls 2020 opponents on notice, as the sophomore returns next year to Boca Raton for another season at the helm of the offense.