Preseason
The Florida Atlantic Owls entered the 2009 college football season hoping to rebound on what was considered a disappointing 2008 campaign. The 2008 team ended the season 7-6 (4-3 SBC), despite returning an overwhelming majority of starters from the 2007 conference champion team. Quarterback Rusty Smith entered his senior season. The 2009 team looked to rebuild on defense, losing defensive star, Frantz Joseph, and a number of other key starters.
The Owls looked to shoot for their third-consecutive bowl appearance, as the 2008 squad defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas in the 2008 Motor City Bowl.
The Owls also had to deal with a new offensive system, as Gary Nord, offensive coordinator for Florida Atlantic since 2004, took the same job at Purdue.
Read more about this topic: 2009 Florida Atlantic Owls Football Team