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FACTS & STATS: Site: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451) -- Auburn, Alabama. Television: FSN. Home Record: FAU 0-0, Auburn 2-0. Away Record: FAU 0-2, Auburn 0-1. Neutral Record: FAU 0-0, Auburn 0-0. Conference Record: FAU 0-0, Auburn 1-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Auburn Tigers had their 17-game win streak halted last weekend, and they will attempt to bounce back strong when the Florida Atlantic Owls come to town this weekend.

FAU is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, and Auburn is 16-0 all-time against teams from that league. The Owls have gotten off to an 0-2 start as expected, as they have faced Florida and Michigan State to date. However, the way in which they lost those two tilts has been disappointing, as they have been outscored by a combined margin of 85-3. The 44-0 loss to the Spartans on the road was downright embarrassing for Howard Schnellenberger, the legendary architect of the FAU program who will step down after this season.

As for Auburn, it managed two narrow victories two open the season, including a seven-point decision over SEC rival Mississippi State. Unfortunately for the defending national champs, they were unable to hang with non-league foe Clemson last week, falling to that other group of Tigers by a 38-24 final. With four outstanding SEC squads lined up for the first four weeks of October, Gene Chizik's squad needs to restore any lost confidence this weekend.

This game marks the first-ever meeting between the Owls and Tigers on the gridiron.

The Owls have had two weeks to prepare for this affair, and the offense obviously needs to be far better than it was against Michigan State just to make this weekend's tilt respectable. The fact that FAU managed only 48 total yards of offense against the Spartans is downright embarrassing, as the offense averaged 1.5 yards per snap. With 22 rushing yards on 20 attempts and 26 passing yards on six completions, it is hard to imagine a worse performance. Graham Wilbert and David Kooi both saw time under center and combined, they failed to convert on 10 third-down opportunities.

With a grand total of three points through two games, FAU is on track for a historically poor offensive season, but it is important to remember that the competition in the Sun Belt Conference will be far-less daunting than what the club has faced to date. Still, there is some reason for concern when you consider a 2-of-23 success ratio on third-down conversion attempts. Wilbert, the team's starting quarterback, is gaining roughly seven yards per completion, and standout tailback Alfred Morris is posting just 1.5 yards per rush.

Michigan State posted 44 points against FAU, and that would lead one to believe that the Owls struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, FAU could have played far better, but the fact that it permitted only 3.7 yards per carry on 51 rushing attempts is proof of a strong effort against a far superior opponent. Four touchdowns were permitted to the MSU offense, but the damage could have been far worse considering the fact that the Spartans held the ball for over 42 minutes.

Opponents are gaining 42.5 ppg against FAU, which has yielded more than 900 total yards already. That is good news for Auburn, which is racking up 35.7 ppg and 393.3 total ypg. The Tigers have six rushing scores and six passing touchdowns to their credit, and they have committed a mere two turnovers in 12 quarters of football. They are gaining 5.3 yards per rushing attempt and 13.7 yards per pass completion. Barrett Trotter has thrown six touchdown passes, including three to Emory Blake, and Michael Dyer paces the ground attack with 358 yards and six touchdowns.

Dyer did all he could to keep Auburn close against Clemson, as he ran for a pair of touchdowns, including a 52-yard dash early in the first quarter. The standout tailback finished with 151 rushing yards on 16 carries, but Trotter didn't provide much help through the air, connecting on only 12-of-25 attempts with an interception.

While the Auburn offense has been impressive overall, the team's defense has been disappointing for sure. The Tigers are yielding 36.7 ppg and 534.3 total ypg, staggering numbers that need to improve in a hurry. The fact that they have given up 13 touchdowns to opposing offenses in 12 quarters is hard to figure.

Against Clemson, Auburn permitted 624 total yards in what was a horrendous showing. Chizik's squad allowed 30-of-42 passes to be completed for 386 yards and yielded 238 rushing yards as well.

Clearly, Auburn will face a far-less formidable opponent this week than last. The Tigers will take full advantage with a romp over the hapless Owls, who are in way over their heads.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Auburn 41, Florida Atlantic 10