Howard Schnellenberger and the FAU Owls: Time to Put Up or Shut Up

In Tampa this past Thursday and Friday, football coaches from the state of Florida met for the annual Florida Sports Writers Association Media Days.   

As usual, Howard Schnellenberger did what he does best: He avoided “coach speak” and made some colorful and candid remarks. But then, in what appeared to be an attempt to draw attention to his program, Coach Schnellenberger bit off more than he could chew.      

When a reporter made mention of the state’s traditional “Big Three,” Schnellenberger became irritated and cut in, saying, "Wait a minute. How about the Big Seven?”   

While Florida State and Miami have clearly lost their luster, Schnellenberger’s assertion that UCF, FAU, and FIU are on the same level as the other state teams is just plain silly.   

I have no issue with throwing USF (South Florida) into the mix. The Bulls, in my opinion, are clearly a better team than both FSU and Miami, and would give Florida a run for the money as well.     

But UCF (Central Florida), FAU (Florida Atlantic), and FIU (Florida International)?   

Spreading his hands about an inch apart, Schnellenberger declared, "We're only about this far apart. All of us. And y'all better get used to it.”   

Gosh, I wish I could have been in the room at that moment.   

Coach Schnellenberger has made a lot of fans over the years by turning around programs and bucking traditional football trends. But Schnellenberger must realize that this is not 1983. What were once quirky and funny comments are now bordering on “crazy old guy” status.   

Let’s start with FIU and UCF.   

Florida International is an embarrassing 1-22 in the last two years. After going 0-21, FIU somehow sprang an upset on North Texas in the final game of last season.     

The only other news FIU football has made was its despicable brawl with Miami in 2006.      

Case closed.     

As for UCF: Two years ago, Florida blanked UCF 42-0 in a game that was over by halftime. Up 34-0 at the break, Florida put everyone but the team manager in during a boring second half. The Knights managed a meager 153 total yards on the night.       

Last season, Jim Leavitt’s South Florida Bulls destroyed them 64-12, making the Knights 0-2 against USF. This “rivalry” has one more year to its agreement this season. If UCF doesn’t put up a fight in year three, it’s likely these two won’t meet again anytime soon.     

Sure, UCF’s record was 10-4 last year, and they almost pulled a shocker against Texas. But for a team that racked up 36 points a game, and a school record 62 touchdowns, the Knights were held to three points in a 10-3 loss to Mississippi State in the Liberty Bowl.     

And then there’s always that pesky 0-18 all-time record versus ranked opponents.   

Finally, we come to Schnellenberger’s FAU squad.  Yes, the Owls won the Sun Belt and their first ever bowl game last season.        

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