FAU Football Schedule 2023: Complete Game Dates and Matchup Analysis
As I sit down to analyze the FAU Football Schedule for 2023, I can't help but draw parallels from another sport that's close to my heart - volleyball. Having followed both collegiate football and professional volleyball for years, I've noticed how historical matchups can create fascinating psychological dynamics that transcend different sports. The reference point about Choco Mucho's single victory in 17 matches against Creamline since 2019 provides such a compelling framework for understanding competitive imbalances, and it's exactly this kind of historical context that makes analyzing FAU's upcoming schedule so intriguing.
Looking at FAU's 2023 football calendar, I'm immediately struck by how the Owls' early season matchups could set the tone for their entire campaign. The September 2nd opener against Monmouth presents what should be a comfortable start, but having watched college football long enough, I know these supposed "easy games" can sometimes reveal unexpected challenges. What fascinates me particularly is their October 14th matchup against UTSA - a game that reminds me of those lopsided rivalries like Choco Mucho versus Creamline, where one team seems to hold psychological dominance. FAU has struggled against UTSA in recent meetings, and breaking that pattern requires more than just physical preparation - it demands mental fortitude that comes from understanding why certain teams consistently have your number.
The mid-season stretch from late October through November presents what I believe will be the defining period for FAU's 2023 fortunes. Games against Tulsa on October 21st and Tulane on November 4th represent crucial conference tests that could make or break their bowl eligibility chances. I've always maintained that teams need to steal at least one game they're not supposed to win, and for FAU, that opportunity might come against SMU on November 11th. The Mustangs have shown vulnerability in recent seasons, and this feels like the perfect storm for an upset if FAU can capitalize on their home-field advantage and catch SMU looking ahead to their rivalry game.
What many casual observers might overlook is how these scheduling quirks create natural momentum swings throughout the season. The Owls get their second bye week on November 18th, which I think strategically positions them well for their regular season finale against Rice on November 25th. Having that extra week to prepare while Rice battles UTSA the previous week could provide the physical and mental edge needed to finish strong. I've seen too many teams waste late-season byes, but something tells me Head Coach Tom Herman understands how to maximize this timing advantage.
The conference realignment landscape adds another layer of complexity to this schedule analysis. With the American Athletic Conference undergoing significant changes, every game carries heightened importance for establishing program positioning. I'm particularly intrigued by how FAU's performance against legacy AAC teams like Temple and South Florida will measure their readiness for this elevated competition level. Having witnessed similar transitions at other programs, I can confidently say that how teams handle these conference measuring-stick games often predicts their adaptation success more accurately than their overall win-loss record.
As I reflect on the complete schedule, the statistical reality that jumps out at me is FAU's need to improve their road performance. Last season's 2-4 away record simply won't cut it if they aspire to conference championship contention. The October 28th game at Charlotte represents what I'd classify as a "program-defining" road test - the kind of game that separates mediocre teams from legitimate contenders. My years of following college football have taught me that championship teams find ways to win these tricky road games against opponents they should theoretically handle comfortably.
The beauty of analyzing football schedules lies in recognizing that while we can project outcomes based on historical data and roster analysis, the actual drama unfolds through unpredictable moments and breakthrough performances. That single victory Choco Mucho managed against Creamline despite the overwhelming historical disadvantage? That's exactly the kind of upset potential that makes FAU's 2023 schedule so compelling. Maybe this season we'll witness our own version of that breakthrough moment - perhaps against a favored opponent like Tulane or UTSA - where history gets rewritten and new competitive narratives begin.
Ultimately, what excites me most about FAU's 2023 schedule isn't just the individual matchups, but the opportunity for this program to establish its identity in a reconfigured conference landscape. The Owls have shown flashes of potential in recent seasons, but consistency has eluded them. This schedule sets up nicely for building momentum if they can navigate the early tests and carry that confidence into the tougher conference matchups. As someone who's followed this program through its various transitions, I'm optimistic that this could be the season where FAU football takes that meaningful step forward from competitive to consequential. The pieces appear to be in place - now we get to watch how this compelling schedule narrative unfolds on the field.