Florida Atlantic is in a different position this year heading into its season opener against Southern Illinois on Saturday at FAU Stadium.
Instead of opening the season on the road against a traditional power such as Nebraska, Miami or Florida, the Owls begin the season at home. They'll do so against a Football Championship Subdivision school, with a chance to become 1-0 for the sixth time in program history.
The Owls will be breaking in a new quarterback for the first time under coach Charlie Partridge, after Jaquez Johnson started the past three seasons.