Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has released its 2024 football schedule. The Owls will play 12 regular season games, including six home games and six away games.
FAU will open the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31, at home against the University of Central Florida (UCF). The Owls will then travel to Tallahassee to face Florida State University (FSU) on Saturday, September 7.
The remainder of FAU’s 2024 schedule is as follows:
Fau 2024 Schedule
Here are 9 important points about the FAU 2024 football schedule:
- 12 regular season games
- 6 home games
- 6 away games
- Season opener against UCF (August 31)
- Game against FSU in Tallahassee (September 7)
- Conference USA opponents include UAB, UTSA, WKU, and FIU
- Non-conference opponents include UCF, FSU, Buffalo, and Liberty
- Homecoming game against WKU (October 19)
- Regular season finale against FIU (November 23)
The Owls will look to improve on their 5-7 record from the 2023 season.
12 regular season games
The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) requires its members to play a minimum of 12 regular season games. This is the highest level of college football in the United States, and FAU is a member of the FBS.
- Number of home games: FAU will play 6 home games in 2024. This is a typical number of home games for FBS teams.
- Number of away games: FAU will play 6 away games in 2024. This is also a typical number of away games for FBS teams.
- Conference opponents: FAU will play 6 conference opponents in 2024. These opponents will be from Conference USA, which FAU joined in 2013.
- Non-conference opponents: FAU will play 6 non-conference opponents in 2024. These opponents will be from a variety of conferences, including the American Athletic Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the Mid-American Conference.
The 12-game regular season schedule gives FAU the opportunity to qualify for a bowl game. Bowl games are postseason games that are played between teams that have had successful regular seasons.
6 home games
FAU will play 6 home games in 2024. This is a typical number of home games for FBS teams. Home games are important for a number of reasons:
1. Revenue: Home games generate revenue for the university. This revenue can be used to fund athletic programs, scholarships, and other university initiatives.
2. Fan support: Home games give fans the opportunity to cheer on their team in person. This can create a sense of community and excitement.
3. Recruiting: Home games can be used to recruit new players. High school recruits are often impressed by the atmosphere of a college football game.
4. Home-field advantage: Teams often play better at home than they do on the road. This is because they are more comfortable with their surroundings and they have the support of their fans.
FAU’s 6 home games in 2024 will be against the following opponents:
- UCF (August 31)
- Buffalo (September 14)
- UAB (October 5)
- UTSA (October 26)
- WKU (October 19)
- FIU (November 23)
6 away games
FAU will play 6 away games in 2024. This is also a typical number of away games for FBS teams.
- Increased travel costs: Away games can be more expensive than home games due to the cost of travel and lodging.
- Less fan support: Away games are typically played in front of smaller crowds, which can make it more difficult for the team to get fired up.
- Unfamiliar surroundings: Away games can be played in unfamiliar surroundings, which can make it more difficult for the team to adjust.
- Hostile environment: Away games are often played in hostile environments, which can make it more difficult for the team to focus and execute.
Despite the challenges, away games can also be beneficial for teams. Away games can help teams to develop mental toughness and resilience. They can also help teams to learn how to win in different environments.
FAU’s 6 away games in 2024 will be against the following opponents:
- Florida State (September 7)
- Liberty (September 21)
- Western Kentucky (October 12)
- FIU (October 26)
- UAB (November 9)
- UTSA (November 30)
Season opener against UCF (August 31)
FAU will open the 2024 season against UCF on Saturday, August 31, at home. This will be the first time that FAU has played UCF in the season opener since 2013.
- Rivalry: UCF is one of FAU’s biggest rivals. The two schools are located just 90 miles apart, and they have played each other 17 times since 2001.
- UCF’s success: UCF has been one of the most successful teams in the Group of Five in recent years. The Knights have won three conference championships in the past five years, and they have played in two New Year’s Six bowls.
- FAU’s home-field advantage: FAU will have the home-field advantage in the season opener. This could be a significant advantage, as UCF has struggled to win on the road in recent years.
- Important game for both teams: The season opener will be an important game for both FAU and UCF. A win would give either team a big boost heading into the rest of the season.
The game will be televised on ESPN.
Game against FSU in Tallahassee (September 7)
FAU will travel to Tallahassee to face Florida State on Saturday, September 7. This will be the first time that FAU has played FSU since 2018.
- Historic rivalry: FSU is one of FAU’s oldest and most bitter rivals. The two schools are located just 130 miles apart, and they have played each other 22 times since 1979.
- FSU’s dominance: FSU has dominated the rivalry in recent years. The Seminoles have won the last six meetings, and they have a 16-6 overall record against FAU.
- FAU’s underdog status: FAU will be a heavy underdog in this game. FSU is a perennial ACC contender, and they have one of the most talented rosters in the country.
- Important game for both teams: This game is important for both FAU and FSU. A win would give FAU a major upset victory, and it would give FSU a boost heading into ACC play.
The game will be televised on ESPN.
Conference USA opponents include UAB, UTSA, WKU, and FIU
FAU will play six Conference USA opponents in 2024: UAB, UTSA, WKU, FIU, and two others to be determined.
- UAB: UAB is one of FAU’s oldest and most bitter rivals. The two schools are located just 260 miles apart, and they have played each other 13 times since 2009.
- UTSA: UTSA is a relatively new addition to Conference USA, but they have quickly become one of the most successful teams in the league. The Roadrunners have won two conference championships in the past three years.
- WKU: WKU is another one of FAU’s oldest rivals. The two schools are located just 100 miles apart, and they have played each other 20 times since 1979.
- FIU: FIU is FAU’s in-state rival. The two schools are located just 25 miles apart, and they have played each other 15 times since 2002.
FAU will play UAB, UTSA, and WKU at home in 2024. The Owls will play FIU on the road.
Non-conference opponents include UCF, FSU, Buffalo, and Liberty
FAU will play four non-conference opponents in 2024: UCF, FSU, Buffalo, and Liberty.
UCF and FSU: UCF and FSU are two of FAU’s biggest rivals. UCF is located just 90 miles from FAU, and FSU is located just 130 miles away. FAU has a long history with both schools, and the games are always competitive.
Buffalo and Liberty: Buffalo and Liberty are two newer opponents for FAU. Buffalo is located in New York, and Liberty is located in Virginia. FAU has never played Buffalo before, and the Owls have only played Liberty once, in 2018.
FAU will play UCF and Buffalo at home in 2024. The Owls will play FSU and Liberty on the road.
Homecoming game against WKU (October 19)
FAU’s homecoming game in 2024 will be against WKU on Saturday, October 19.
- Tradition: Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at FAU. The university has been celebrating homecoming since 1984.
- Festivities: Homecoming weekend is a time for FAU students, alumni, and fans to come together and celebrate the university. There are a variety of events held throughout the weekend, including a parade, a pep rally, and a tailgate party.
- Important game: The homecoming game is always an important game for FAU. The Owls will be looking to win their homecoming game in front of their home crowd.
- Rivalry: WKU is one of FAU’s oldest rivals. The two schools are located just 100 miles apart, and they have played each other 20 times since 1979.
The game will be televised on ESPN+
Regular season finale against FIU (November 23)
FAU will finish the 2024 regular season with a road game against FIU on Saturday, November 23.
- Rivalry: FIU is FAU’s in-state rival. The two schools are located just 25 miles apart, and they have played each other 15 times since 2002.
- Important game: The regular season finale is always an important game, as it can determine a team’s bowl eligibility.
- Chance to finish strong: FAU will be looking to finish the 2024 regular season on a strong note with a win over their in-state rival.
- Senior Day: The regular season finale will also be Senior Day for FAU. The Owls will honor their senior class before the game.
The game will be televised on ESPN+
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the FAU 2024 football schedule:
Question 1: When does the FAU football season start?
Answer: The FAU football season starts on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Question 2: Who is FAU’s first opponent in 2024?
Answer: FAU’s first opponent in 2024 is UCF.
Question 3: How many home games will FAU play in 2024?
Answer: FAU will play 6 home games in 2024.
Question 4: How many away games will FAU play in 2024?
Answer: FAU will play 6 away games in 2024.
Question 5: Who is FAU’s homecoming opponent in 2024?
Answer: FAU’s homecoming opponent in 2024 is WKU.
Question 6: Who is FAU’s regular season finale opponent in 2024?
Answer: FAU’s regular season finale opponent in 2024 is FIU.
Question 7: Where can I find the complete FAU 2024 football schedule?
Answer: The complete FAU 2024 football schedule can be found on the FAU athletics website.
Tips
Here are a few tips for fans planning to attend FAU football games in 2024:
1. Purchase tickets early. Tickets for FAU football games typically go on sale in the spring. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the better your chances of getting good seats.
2. Arrive early. FAU football games are popular, so it’s important to arrive early to avoid long lines and traffic. Most gates open two hours before kickoff.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on game day, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
4. Bring sunscreen and a hat. FAU Stadium is mostly exposed to the sun, so it’s important to protect yourself from the elements.
Conclusion
The FAU 2024 football schedule is a challenging one, but it also presents the Owls with a great opportunity to make a statement in Conference USA and beyond.
FAU will open the season with a tough road game against UCF, but the Owls will have the home-field advantage in their next two games against Buffalo and UAB. FAU will then face a tough stretch of games in October, with road games against WKU and UTSA and a home game against Liberty.
November will be a crucial month for FAU. The Owls will play three of their final four games at home, including a homecoming game against WKU and a regular season finale against FIU.
If FAU can navigate its tough schedule, the Owls have the potential to have a successful season in 2024.
