FMU Travels To Faulkner Saturday, Looking To Upend Eagles

AT A GLANCE
FMU Lions (0-3, 0-1) at Faulkner University Eagles (2-0)
When: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Where: Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala. | Billy D. Hilyer Stadium
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Live Stream: Link
Live Stats: Link

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Football, by nature, is a physically taxing sport – think of the adage that calls it a "collision sport" not just a "contact sport".

Florida Memorial University's roster is feeling the effects of three games worth of collisions, but the Lions can get some balm for their nicks and bruises if they're able to upend Faulkner University this weekend when the team's meet at FU's Billy D. Hilyer Stadium Saturday.

The trip to Montgomery, Alabama – a 12-hour bus ride – will be the first out-of-town road trip for FMU (0-3) this season.

FMU enters the weekend looking to put its week three game far in the rearview mirror. The Lions' first home game in more than 63 years was spoiled by University of The Cumberlands (Ky.), jumped out to a big lead early and ended up defeating Florida Memorial 56-12.

As tough as it was to endure the toughest loss of the season, Florida Memorial saw a handful of players leave the game against The Cumberlands due to injuries. Starting defensive end Anthony Harris (upper extremity) and reserve defensive tackle Kesean Norris-Hayes (lower extremity) both sustained injuries and are doubtful to be available this weekend.

The Lions' defensive secondary and offensive line also had a multiple players sustain minor injuries that may affect their status for Saturday.

One of the bright spots of the home opener was the play of running back Amir Brown. Brown was thrust into action as a part of a "running back by committee" that Lions' coaches used to replace injured starter George Young. Brown had the best day of all the FMU ball carriers, rushing for a modern-day single-game record 85 yards on 13 carries.

The other bright spot was receiver Markell Lee, who has emerged as Florida Memorial's most potent and consistent offensive weapon. Lee scored a touchdown for the second straight game and connected with quarterback Antoine Williams to break and set a new modern-day record for longest touchdown reception – catching a 44-yard TD pass in week three to break the previous record of 42 yards, which he set on Sept. 4.

Waiting on the Lions will be a Faulkner University team that has looked impressive in its first two games of the season. The Eagles knocked off FMU's Mid-South Sun Division cohort Southeastern 31-14 in week one and picked up a 27-20 victory over Thomas More University this past weekend.

Faulkner, like The Cumberlands, operates its offense behind a large offensive line. FU's offensive front has an average size of 6-foot-4, 320 pounds across and they act as a wall protecting Eagles redshirt senior quarterback Kade Young. Young has thrown three touchdown passes and at least 240 yards in each of Faulkner's first two games.

Being down a couple of starters along the defensive line when facing a pass-heavy opponent isn't ideal for Florida Memorial. However, it will be an opportunity for freshman defensive ends Nathan Orr and Deandre Lawson to "earn their mane" – proving to the coaching staff they can not only take productive snaps but be defensive playmakers.

FMU's offense will also need to find its rhythm earlier than it did this past week and avoid quick three-and-outs.

Florida Memorial University head coach Tim "Ice" Harris Sr. said he wants to see his team simplify its mindset on the field and focus on small details.

"I want us to look at the things that we do well and do those things," Harris said. "We have to look at the positive things that we do on both sides of the ball and start stringing those positive plays together and be more consistent as a team. We as a coaching staff must continue to teach and coach them hard and the guys have to buy into the process and stay together."

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Players Mentioned

#1 Anthony Harris: DL; 6' 0"; Freshman

#2 George Young: RB; 5' 11"; Freshman

#11 Markell Lee: WR; 6' 1"; Freshman

#12 Antoine Williams: QB; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#24 Amir Brown: RB; 5' 11"; Freshman

#45 Nathan Orr: DL; 6' 3"; Freshman

#50 Kesean Norris-Hayes: DL; 6' 0"; Freshman

#99 Deandre Lawson: DL; 6' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Anthony Harris
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: DL

#2 George Young
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: RB

#11 Markell Lee
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: WR

#12 Antoine Williams
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: QB

#24 Amir Brown
: 5' 11"; Freshman
: RB

#45 Nathan Orr
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: DL

#50 Kesean Norris-Hayes
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: DL

#99 Deandre Lawson
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: DL

Florida Memorial University Athletics

Scoreboard

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned