FAU Football vs University of Louisiana-Monroe 27 October 2007 4pm, Lockhart Field, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Two Sun Belt Conference teams battled through regulation play and three overtime periods Saturday night with University of Louisiana at Monroe (3-5, 3-2) proving victorious in a 33-30 fan-thrilling victory over Florida Atlantic University (4-1, 3-1), Saturday at Lockhart. The Owls jumped on the scoreboard first with a 12-yard touchdown run by B.J. Manley that capped a four-play 37-yard drive that began with the Owls defense picking off a pass to extend their consecutive-game with an interception streak to 16. ULM evened the match just three seconds into the second quarter on a six-yard pass and took their first lead, 10-7, with 7:49 remaining in the half. FAU's William Rose hauled in a pass from Rusty Smith, who was 35-54-2 with 317 yards and a TD, to send the two teams to the locker room with FAU holding a 14-10 halftime advantage. Halftime was a celebration for the University's second-annual Athletic Hall of Fame class and the crowning of the 2007 FAU king and queen. ULM moved ahead for the second time of the game with 3:32 remaining in the third on the legs of Calvin Dawson's six-yard run. Dawson ended the game with 26 carries for 114 yards and two scores, including the 31-yard game winner in the third overtime. ULM took a 10 point advantage into the closing seven minutes of regulation when FAU's Warley Leroy cut it to seven with a 36-yard field goal. The Owls' defense forced ULM to punt after three plays and delivered on a game-tying, 24-24, 10 play 88-yard drive the left 1:12 on the clock. ULM responded with nine plays that included a fake punt that resulted in a 19-yard first down play and put the Warhawks within field goal range for the victory. FAU's Mauricio Riquer was credited with the block and Michael Lockley the recovery. The two squads went into overtime with FAU winning the coin toss and taking the first shot at scoring. The Owls drove from the 25 to the five. On fourth an one, the Owls elected to attempt a field goal which was blocked. ULM was given the same fate and saw their 38 yard field goal attempt miss. The squads met again at mid field with ULM earning the right to try first. After just two plays, one pass incomplete the second for a gain of nine. On third down, ULM elected to attempt a field goal. Cole Wilson connected from 33-yards to force FAU into a position of scoring. The Owls responded with a Leroy 37 yard field goal to push the score to 27 all and into yet another overtime period. FAU began with the ball on the 25 and drove four yards. Leroy then connected on a 24 yard field goal forcing ULM to score. After three plays and a penalty, FAU appeared to have the stop and the game until Dawson tried to come through the middle and was forced to the outside where he capitalize with 31 yards and the victory. Nine FAU players were credited with a reception with Rose pulling in the only TD through the air. Charles Pierre led the Owls ground attack with 73 yards and a score, but saw ULM's Calvin Dawson lead all rushers with 114 yards and two scores. Frantz Joseph, who entered the game as the Sun Belt's leading tackler added a game high 15 against ULM. Cergile Sincere, who is second in the league, added 12. Senior Taheem Acevedo had FAU's interception and 31 yard return to keep the Owls streak alive. Acevedo also had seven tackles, including one for a loss of two yard. FAU will have a bye next week and will next play host to Sun Belt Conference member Arkansas State in what will be FAU's final home game of the 2007 season.