On Monday morning, Florida Atlantic coach Charlie Partridge paused for 10 seconds as he pondered how to describe running back Gregory "Buddy" Howell's recent leadership. It was two days after FAU's 31-27 loss to Ball State, the latest stage for Howell's message to the team.
As the Owls entered the locker room after their third consecutive loss, Howell took it upon himself to relay a positive message. Howell is not a captain nor does he consider himself a vocal leader, but his message was simple: "Keep y'all head up. We got something to work for. You're working for your brothers.