Boca Raton Bowl 2019: 3 takeaways from FAU’s big win over SMU
By Zach Bigalke
2. John Raine, Brandon Robinson excelled in passing game
A big reason why Robison had such a great day at quarterback was the performance of his top two receivers. Robison looked for John Raine and Brandon Robinson early and often, and the pair answered the call every time. Raine and Robinson finished the day with 12 combined catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Raine hauled in seven passes that went for 73 yards and a score. Robinson snagged five catches, gaining 78 yards and also punching in a touchdown along the way. Robinson did have a fumble, the only Owls turnover of the day, but otherwise the pair were a huge contribution to the offensive effort against the Mustangs.
It wasn’t just passing that made the difference for FAU on Saturday in the Boca Raton Bowl. BJ Emmons ran for 72 yards and a score, James Charles churned his legs for 54 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and the Owls finished with 186 total rushing yards as a team.
But the receivers were especially brilliant for FAU at home in their postseason showdown against the Mustangs. Without their contribution, this game could have ended far differently than the final result indicated in real life. Balance was key against the Mustangs, and the Owls exhibited it in droves.