What Is 2005 Florida Atlantic Owls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University in the 2005 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Howard Schnellenberger. It was the team's final season in Division I-AA before transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2006.

Key Facts

The 2005 Florida Atlantic Owls finished the season with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Howard Schnellenberger led the team during its final I-AA season
The Owls played in the Division I-AA (now FCS) South Division of the Sun Belt Conference
They defeated Central Connecticut State 42–35 in the 2005 season opener
FAU moved to the FBS level in 2006, marking 2005 as a transitional year

Overview

The 2005 Florida Atlantic Owls football team marked a pivotal moment in the program’s history, serving as the final season competing in NCAA Division I-AA (now known as the Football Championship Subdivision). Under the leadership of head coach Howard Schnellenberger, who had been instrumental in building the FAU football program since its inception in 2001, the team posted a solid 7–4 overall record.

This season was significant not only for its on-field performance but also for its role in FAU’s transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2006. The Owls competed in the South Division of the Sun Belt Conference during 2005, preparing for full FBS membership the following year, which allowed them to become eligible for bowl games and expanded national exposure.

Record: The Owls finished the 2005 season with a 7–4 overall record, including a 5–3 mark in conference play, demonstrating steady improvement under Schnellenberger’s guidance.
Division: Competing in Division I-AA, FAU was classified in the Football Championship Subdivision, a level below the FBS, before their elevation in 2006.
Conference: The team played as a member of the Sun Belt Conference’s South Division, facing regional rivals and building a competitive schedule.
Head Coach:Howard Schnellenberger, a legendary figure in college football, led the program and laid the foundation for FAU’s future success at the FBS level.
Transition Year: The 2005 season was FAU’s last at the I-AA level, setting the stage for their official move to the FBS in 2006, a major milestone for the young program.

Season Performance

The 2005 campaign featured a mix of strong offensive performances and growing defensive consistency as FAU prepared for the jump to FBS competition. The team opened the season with a high-scoring 42–35 win over Central Connecticut State, showcasing their offensive potential.

Offensive Output: The Owls averaged 27.5 points per game in 2005, led by quarterback Rusty Smith, who began establishing himself as a key playmaker.
Defensive Stats: FAU’s defense allowed 20.8 points per game, indicating a balanced team capable of competing in close contests.
Home Games: The team played its home games at Davie, Florida’s Lockhart Stadium, a temporary venue before the on-campus FAU Stadium opened in 2011.
Key Win: A 31–10 victory over Middle Tennessee highlighted their conference strength and boosted morale late in the season.
Bowl Eligibility: Though not bowl-eligible in 2005 due to I-AA status, the team’s performance paved the way for future postseason opportunities starting in 2007.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2005 season to FAU’s first FBS season in 2006 reveals key differences in competition level, scheduling, and program maturity:

Category	2005 (I-AA)	2006 (FBS)
Classification	Division I-AA (FCS)	FBS
Overall Record	7–4	5–6
Conference	Sun Belt (South Division)	Sun Belt Conference
Bowl Eligibility	No	No (needed 6 wins)
Head Coach	Howard Schnellenberger	Howard Schnellenberger

The transition from 2005 to 2006 marked FAU’s official entry into the FBS ranks, increasing the difficulty of their schedule and raising expectations. While the 2006 team had a slightly worse record, the move signified the program’s long-term ambitions and greater national integration.

Why It Matters

The 2005 season was a foundational year that set the trajectory for FAU’s future in major college football. It represented the culmination of five years of program development and positioned the Owls for greater visibility and competitiveness.

Program Growth: The 2005 season demonstrated FAU’s ability to compete at a high level, justifying their promotion to FBS status.
Recruiting Impact: Success in 2005 helped attract better recruits, as players saw a clear path to Division I-A football.
Conference Stability: Competing in the Sun Belt provided a stable platform for FAU to build rivalries and expand regional exposure.
Legacy Building: Howard Schnellenberger’s leadership in 2005 cemented his legacy as the founding architect of FAU football.
Financial Development: The move to FBS in 2006 brought increased TV revenue and scholarship funding, transforming the athletic department.
Future Success: The foundation laid in 2005 contributed to FAU’s 2007 New Orleans Bowl victory, their first postseason win.

Ultimately, the 2005 Florida Atlantic Owls football season was more than just a 7–4 record—it was a critical step in the university’s athletic evolution, bridging the gap between a startup program and a legitimate FBS contender.