When it was announced that construction on FAU’s new stadium would not be completed until next year, the teams agreed to change the location of the game from FAU to Ford Field. The game will count as a home game for the Owls.

Despite the traveling and the unfamiliar environment, FAU won’t be intimidated when it takes the field.

“I was very pleased with the effort and fight of our football team,” FAU head coach Howard Schnellenberger said in a teleconference. “We fought back from 14 points down twice (last week). … We’re looking forward to our home game in Detroit against MSU.”

The Owls are coming off a 32-31 win against UAB, in which they overcame a 16-point deficit.

FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp replaces last year’s quarterback Rusty Smith, who currently plays for National Football League’s Tennessee Titans, but has experience after starting five games last year when Smith went down with an injury.

He leads a Florida Atlantic offense that averaged 27.4 points per game last year and returns running back Alfred Morris, who has 12 career touchdowns. FAU also has skilled wide receiver Lester Jean, who had nine catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns last week.

This matchup is the second game of a home-and-home series between the two teams. The Spartans defeated the Owls 17-0 in a rainy game Sept. 13, 2008, at Spartan Stadium.

MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said he expects a good test from the Owls Saturday.

“When they run a play, they have things that complement that particular play,” Dantonio said. “When they do things formationally, they have things that complement it formationally. It’s going to be a challenge for us as every game is. I don’t think there’s any game that isn’t, just look around the country.”

FAU’s secondary returns talent from last season and likely will test MSU’s passing attack. The Owls allowed less than 100 yards passing against UAB last week but were shredded on the ground, as they gave up 345 yards.

The Spartans rushed for 297 yards last week and will try to exploit that matchup.

The Owls finished 5-7 last season after back-to-back bowl wins in 2007 and 2008. After Saturday’s 38-14 win against Western Michigan, MSU is out to show it has good offensive and defensive lines, which played well in the first game but are hoping to grow in the second game.

“Some of these players, (last week) was their first time ever playing in a college football game,” senior defensive end Colin Neely said. “Everybody’s preparation is good. … We are all a very good group. We just need to keep getting better.”