FAU football: Can Owls return to winning ways after disastrous end to 2020?

Quarterback battle remains biggest question mark

After having some prolific offenses under Lane Kiffin, the thought was that trend would continue under new head coach Willie Taggart, who has been known to have some prolific offenses during his time at South Florida and Oregon. The offense struggled mightily last season and it is going to have to improve if the Owls are going to go back to the postseason.

At quarterback, there is going to be a four-way competition that is going to include two coaches’ sons involved in the competition. The leader should be last season’s starter Nick Tronti, but he is going to have to play better to fend off his challengers. Javion Posey played some last season and wants the full-time job.

Look for Penn State transfer Michael Johnson Jr., son of offensive coordinator Michael Johnson Sr., to push for the job, as well as Willie Taggart Jr. and Miami transfer N’Kosi Perry to be involved. Perry is the more experienced of the group and was a highly touted recruit, but he struggled to be consistent at Miami. Tronti is the favorite, but it could be any of the five guys.

The running game is going to return James Charles, the leading rusher from last season, and he had a nice season with 429 yards and four touchdowns. FAU had a solid ground game last season and should still have one in 2021 behind Charles.

The receiver room is going to return its top three producers from 2020. TJ Chase, Jordan Merrell, and Brandon Robinson are set to be reliable weapons for whoever starts at quarterback and all of them can be dangerous playmakers. Look for Logan Peterson to also get some time.

The offensive line is returning all five starters and looking to improve for 2021.

The offense only averaged 19 points per game last season, which was the worst in the C-USA, but there is optimism that improved quarterback play will give the offense life.