FAU football: Will Owls keep up success under Willie Taggart?

FAU should have one of the best offenses in the conference

Lane Kiffin was known for his offensive play-calling before he got to Boca Raton and that was one of the reasons that he got this program to the heights he did in recent seasons.

Willie Taggart crafted some electric offenses while he was the head coach at South Florida, but he lost his touch during his time at Florida State and he is hoping that he can rediscover his offensive mojo at FAU. His offenses have always been there best when he has a quarterback that he can rely on and that is exactly what he has in reigning All-C-USA first-team quarterback Chris Robison.

Robison had a tremendous season in 2019, recording over 3,700 yards passing and 28 touchdowns. He could stand to raise his completion rate up from 61 percent, but he was very good in 2019, but he will have to try and replicate that production without some of his top targets.

Last season’s leading rusher Malcolm Davidson is back after a 700-yard season, but he’s going to have to show more consistency, as he would have under 50 yards some games, but then explode for over 100 the next. If Davidson can find a way to be an effective runner throughout the whole year, it can add another dangerous element to the offense.

Last year’s second leading rusher James Charles is also back after having over 400 yards last year and he and Davidson form a nice one-two punch for the offense,

One of the main concerns for the Owls’ offense is going to be replacing some of their playmakers on the perimeter. One of Robison’s favorite targets tight end Harrison Bryant is now in the NFL and he will be very difficult to replace. Bryant and wide receiver Deangelo Antoine were the top two receivers on the team last year and now both are gone. That’s going to leave the starting spots to John Mitchell, Willie Wright and Duke transfer Aaron Young.

Mitchell has the most experience, as he had nearly 500 yards last season to along with five touchdowns. There’s talent, it’s just largely unproven in Boca Raton at the receiver and tight end positions. Miami transfer Michael Irvin II should provide a boost at the tight end position.

The offensive line is missing a couple of guys that made the all conference team last year, but returns three starters that have experience. The Owls have an experienced quarterback and explosive running backs, but need to replace some playmakers at wide receiver and tight end.