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Helmet History

College Football Programs | Florida Atlantic Owls, Helmet History
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Florida Atlantic Owls

The Florida Atlantic Owls football program gained national recognition under head coach Howard Schnellenberger in 2001. Schnellenberger was a legendary coach who had previously led the Miami Hurricanes and Louisville Cardinals to national championships. He brought a lot of excitement to the program and the Owls quickly became a competitive team.

In their inaugural season, the Owls went 4-6 as an independent team in Division I-AA (now FCS). The following season, they improved to 6-5 and earned a spot in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. They lost in the semifinals to Colgate.

After four seasons in Division I-AA, the Owls moved up to Division I-A (now FBS) in 2005. They joined the Sun Belt Conference and had immediate success. In their first season in the Sun Belt, they went 8-4 and won the conference championship. They were invited to the New Orleans Bowl, where they defeated Memphis 44-27.

The Owls continued to be successful in the Sun Belt, winning the conference championship again in 2008. They also won the Motor City Bowl that season, defeating Central Michigan 24-17.

In 2013, the Owls left the Sun Belt Conference and joined Conference USA. 

The nickname of the school's sports team was derived after the FAU campus was designated a burrowing owl sanctuary in 1971 by the Audubon Society. 

Learn about the history of the Florida Atlantic Owls football program with our collection of the top posts from around the internet. The Owls football team represents the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) on the gridiron.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of a football game between FAU and UNL. Thanks to Pizza12456

Dive into the Depths of College Football

Take a deep dive into the history and origins of the top gridiron teams and programs at the collegiate level. We celebrate the game of American football right from its roots. The concept started with youngsters of different schools competing against each other and the game at that level still thrives.

College football – a tapestry woven from roaring stadiums, electrifying plays, and passionate rivalries. But beyond the spectacle, lies the beating heart of the sport: the college football programs themselves. Each one, a unique ecosystem of tradition, strategy, and vibrant personalities, shaping the future of the game and inspiring generations of fans. In this series, we'll delve deep into these programs, exploring their storied histories, iconic figures, and the intricate dance of coaching philosophies and player development that shapes their triumphs and challenges. So, grab your jersey, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the captivating world of college football programs, where legends are forged, dynasties built, and every Saturday becomes a battleground for gridiron glory!

Helmet History

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls football team, established in 1996, boasts a relatively young history compared to college football giants. However, their helmet design has undergone interesting transformations, reflecting the program's growth and evolving identity. Let's take a look at the headwear that has protected the Owls throughout the years.

Early Days: The Simple Start (1996-2000)

In their inaugural season, the FAU Owls took the field sporting a simple yet bold helmet design. It featured a white shell with a kelly green stripe running down the middle, mirroring the school's primary colors. A chrome or silver owl head logo adorned both sides of the helmet, establishing the mascot's presence. This initial design prioritized clarity and recognizability, allowing the fledgling program to build its visual identity.

Embracing the Nest: A Touch of Complexity (2001-2012)

As FAU football gained a foothold, their helmet design incorporated more intricate elements. The kelly green stripe remained central, but it was flanked by thinner white stripes. The owl logo received a makeover, with a more detailed and aggressive depiction. Notably, a stylized "FAU" inscription was incorporated within the design, showcasing a growing sense of program pride. The most significant addition was a nest encircling the owl logo on one side of the helmet. This symbolized the team's home – FAU Stadium, nicknamed "The Nest."

A Shift in Focus: The Angry Owl Era (2013-2016)

In 2013, the FAU Owls opted for a more aggressive look. The helmet retained the white shell and green stripe combination, but the owl logo underwent a dramatic transformation. The new logo featured a more stylized and fierce-looking owl, with a prominent beak and sharp eyes. The nest element was removed, placing all emphasis on the predatory nature of the mascot. This design shift coincided with a period of success for the Owls under head coach Charlie Partridge, and the aggressive owl logo became associated with a winning program.

A Return to Roots with Modern Flair (2017-Present)

The year 2017 saw a return to a more classic look for the FAU Owls' helmets. The white shell and kelly green stripe remained, but the aggressive owl logo was softened. The design incorporated a more balanced and defined depiction of the mascot, with a focus on its intelligence and determination. Notably, a chrome or silver beak was added, providing a touch of modern flair. This return to a classic design with subtle refinements reflected a renewed focus on building a sustainable winning tradition under head coach Lane Kiffin.

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