FAU Football Schedule 2023: Key Dates, Matchups, and Game Times Revealed

As a longtime college football analyst with over a decade of experience covering Conference USA matchups, I've learned that scheduling reveals always carry a certain electric anticipation. When the FAU Football 2023 schedule dropped last week, I immediately noticed something fascinating about its structure—and it reminded me of a statistical anomaly I recently came across in Philippine volleyball. Let me explain.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans have only managed one single victory in seventeen encounters against the Creamline Cool Smashers since joining the Premier Volleyball League back in 2019. Seventeen matches, one win. That’s not just a rivalry; that’s a pattern so dominant it becomes psychological. Now, watching FAU’s newly released schedule, I see similar patterns emerging in their football calendar—certain opponents that have historically felt nearly insurmountable, yet opportunities for breakthrough moments that could define their season. The Owls are entering a new era in the American Athletic Conference, and this schedule isn’t just a list of dates; it’s a narrative waiting to unfold.

Let’s dive into those key dates. FAU opens their 2023 campaign on September 2nd against Monmouth at home. I love this opener—it’s winnable, but not a guaranteed walkover. It sets the tone. Then comes a brutal two-week stretch: at Ohio on September 9th, followed by a home game against Clemson on September 16th. Now, I’ll be honest, looking at that Clemson matchup gives me flashbacks to that lone Choco Mucho win. It’s the kind of game where FAU has almost no historical precedent for success, much like Choco Mucho against Creamline. But in volleyball or football, all it takes is one perfect night to shift perceptions. I don’t expect a win against Clemson, but if they keep it competitive into the second half, the morale boost could be massive for the rest of the season.

The conference slate is where things get really intriguing. The AAC schedule kicks off on September 23rd at Illinois, followed by a crucial home stand against Tulsa on October 7th. I’ve always felt Tulsa is a benchmark game for programs like FAU. It’s winnable, but you have to execute. Last year’s meeting was a nail-biter, and I suspect this one will be too. Then there’s the October 21st showdown at UTSA. Let me be blunt—this is the game I’m circling on my calendar. UTSA has been a powerhouse, and FAU’s record against them is, well, let’s call it challenging. It’s their "Creamline," if you will. Since 2021, FAU has faced UTSA twice and lost both times by an average margin of 17 points. Those numbers sting. But here’s where my perspective as an analyst kicks in: this year’s FAU squad returns 15 starters, including what I believe is the most underrated quarterback in the conference. If there’s ever a year to pull off an upset, it’s 2023.

Game times reveal another layer of strategy. The season opener against Monmouth is a 6:00 PM ET kickoff, which I think is perfect—avoiding the brutal South Florida heat and giving fans a prime-time atmosphere. The Clemson game, slated for a 3:30 PM ET start on ACC Network, already feels like a showcase opportunity. I’ve always said, these afternoon slots against Power Five opponents are where programs earn respect, even in loss. But the real gem is the November 4th home game against Tulane, set for a 7:00 PM ET kickoff. Under the lights, national TV potential—this is the kind of slot that recruits notice. I’ve spoken to several high school prospects who specifically mention night games as a deciding factor, and FAU’s schedule delivers that here.

Wrapping up, the 2023 FAU football schedule is a story of opportunity and legacy. Just like Choco Mucho’s solitary win against Creamline proves that dominance isn’t forever, FAU has chances scattered throughout this calendar to rewrite their narrative. The key will be stealing a win in those "Creamline-esque" matchups—against UTSA or perhaps even Tulane—while consistently handling business against peers. As someone who’s watched this program grow from a fledgling FBS team to a AAC contender, I’m bullish on their chances. The schedule is tough, no doubt, but it’s also fair. It sets them up for a potential 8-4 or even 9-3 season if the ball bounces their way. Mark your calendars, Owl fans—this could be the year a one-in-seventeen type upset becomes reality.