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As I sit down to reflect on the Florida Atlantic Owls' 2023 football season, I can't help but feel a genuine sense of pride in what this team accomplished. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for programs that are building something special, and let me tell you - the Owls are definitely one of those teams. This season wasn't just about wins and losses; it was about establishing an identity and proving they belong among the nation's emerging football programs. The transformation I witnessed from last season to this one was nothing short of remarkable, and I'm excited to share my perspective on what made this team so compelling to watch week after week.
The Owls' offense was simply electric this season, averaging 34.2 points per game - a significant jump from last year's 27.8 average. What impressed me most was their balance; they weren't reliant on just one aspect of their game. Quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. developed into the leader this team desperately needed, completing 63% of his passes for 3,215 yards with 28 touchdowns against only 8 interceptions. His growth from last season was palpable - you could see his confidence growing with each game, especially in those crucial third-down situations where he seemed to thrive under pressure. Watching him connect with receiver LaJohntay Wester became one of my favorite aspects of their games; their chemistry was evident from the season opener and only improved as the weeks progressed. Wester finished with 1,168 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, consistently making big plays when the team needed them most.
Their running game complemented the passing attack beautifully, with Larry McCammon III rushing for 1,004 yards and 9 touchdowns. What made McCammon so effective, in my view, was his patience and vision - he never seemed to rush his decisions, waiting for blocks to develop before exploding through the holes. The offensive line deserves tremendous credit here too; they allowed only 18 sacks all season while creating consistent running lanes. I remember specifically their game against UAB where the line dominated from start to finish, allowing the offense to control the clock and keep their defense fresh. That kind of complementary football is what separates good teams from great ones, and the Owls executed it beautifully throughout the season.
Defensively, the Owls showed significant improvement, particularly in their secondary where they reduced big plays allowed by nearly 40% compared to last season. Safety Teja Young emerged as the defensive leader I always thought he could be, recording 68 tackles and 4 interceptions while consistently making plays in crucial moments. His football IQ is off the charts - I noticed how he'd often position himself perfectly to disrupt passing lanes while still being able to support against the run. The linebacker corps, led by Eddie Williams and Jaylen Wester, combined for 156 tackles and 12.5 sacks, providing the physical presence that set the tone for the entire defense. Their ability to both stop the run and contribute to the pass rush gave defensive coordinator Todd Orlando the flexibility to dial up creative pressures that consistently confused opposing quarterbacks.
Special teams played a bigger role than many might realize, with kicker Morgan Suarez converting 18 of 22 field goal attempts, including a memorable 52-yard game-winner against Charlotte. That moment stands out in my memory as one of the season's highlights - the way the entire team rushed the field after that kick showed just how tight-knit this group had become. Punter Riley Thompson averaged 44.3 yards per punt, consistently flipping field position and giving the defense favorable situations to work with. These hidden yardage advantages might not show up prominently in highlight reels, but they absolutely contributed to the team's overall success throughout the season.
Looking at the broader context, what struck me about this Owls team was their resilience. They faced adversity multiple times throughout the season but always responded positively. After their tough loss to Illinois in week three, they could have folded - instead, they rattled off four straight wins, each more impressive than the last. That kind of mental toughness speaks volumes about the culture head coach Tom Herman is building in Boca Raton. Having watched Herman's career since his days at Ohio State, I've always appreciated his ability to develop teams that play with discipline and passion, and this Owls squad embodied those qualities perfectly.
The season's 9-4 record, including their impressive Boca Raton Bowl victory, represents significant progress for the program. More importantly, it establishes a foundation that should make Owls fans genuinely excited about the future. The development we saw from key players throughout the season suggests that this isn't just a flash in the pan - this program is building something sustainable. As someone who's watched countless college football programs rise and fall, I'm confident in saying that the Owls have the right pieces in place to continue this upward trajectory. The 2023 season wasn't just successful in terms of wins and losses; it was a statement that Florida Atlantic football is here to stay and ready to compete at the highest level.