What Is 2016 Florida Atlantic Owls football

Overview

The 2016 Florida Atlantic Owls football team represented Florida Atlantic University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in Conference USA's East Division, the Owls struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 5–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play.

Under interim leadership following the departure of previous head coach Charlie Partridge, the team prepared for a transition year before the arrival of high-profile coach Lane Kiffin. Despite a challenging season, the program laid groundwork for future improvements both on and off the field.

• Head coach Charlie Partridge was dismissed after a 3–9 season in 2015, and the 2016 season began under interim leadership while a permanent replacement was sought.
• The Owls opened the 2016 season with a 52–7 loss to Nebraska, setting a difficult tone for the year against tough non-conference opponents.
• Quarterback Jason Driskel started 10 games, completing 164 of 298 passes for 1,735 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.
• The team's best performance came in a 35–28 win over UTEP in October, showcasing improved offensive execution in Conference USA play.
• FAU Stadium, located in Boca Raton, Florida, hosted all home games with an average attendance of approximately 15,000 fans per game.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2016 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with the Owls winning three of their first five games before fading in the second half of the season. Several close losses highlighted missed opportunities and defensive vulnerabilities.

• September 10, 2016: FAU defeated Albany 38–3, marking their most dominant win of the season with a balanced offensive attack.
• October 1, 2016: A 31–28 overtime win against UMass kept FAU bowl-eligible for a brief period before late-season setbacks.
• The Owls lost four of their final six games, including a 38–31 defeat to Western Kentucky, a top team in Conference USA.
• Defensively, linebacker AJ Ledbetter led the team with 87 total tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks, anchoring a unit that ranked near the bottom nationally in yards allowed.
• The team ranked 118th out of 128 FBS teams in total defense, surrendering an average of 472.6 yards per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 Florida Atlantic Owls with select Conference USA peers in key statistical categories:

The data shows that while FAU outperformed some bottom-tier teams in scoring, their defensive struggles placed them among the weakest in the conference. The hiring of Lane Kiffin in December 2016 signaled a shift toward rebuilding both culture and performance.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a transitional year that set the stage for a major turnaround in subsequent seasons. Though the record was underwhelming, it marked the end of one era and the beginning of a new chapter under a nationally recognized coach.

• The hiring of Lane Kiffin in December 2016 brought national attention and recruiting momentum to the FAU football program.
• Several players from the 2016 roster, including wide receiver Kamrin Solomon, became key contributors in the 2017 undefeated conference season.
• The season highlighted the need for defensive upgrades, leading to significant changes in coaching staff and player development strategies.
• FAU's struggles in 2016 emphasized the importance of consistent quarterback play and offensive line stability.
• The team's performance contributed to increased investment in athletic facilities and recruiting budgets in 2017.
• This season is now viewed as a turning point, preceding FAU’s 11–3 record and conference championship in 2017.

In hindsight, the 2016 Florida Atlantic Owls season was a necessary low point before a dramatic rise, illustrating how leadership changes can rapidly transform a college football program.