Report: Florida Atlantic suspends five players for Friday night

Florida Atlantic University was already going to be in tough Friday night when it visits Miami.  Now things are going to be even more difficult with five players suspended for the opener according to FAUOwlaccess.com.

The biggest losses for the Owls are wide receiver Daniel McKinney and tight end Darion Howard who were both set to start.  McKinney, a senior, was second for FAU last year with 48 receptions and 492 yards, he also added two touchdowns.  Howard is entering his first season with the Owls after transferring from Northern Iowa.

Also suspended were running back Damian Fortner, defensive tackle Lance Burlingame and long snapper Stephen Curtis.

All five were suspended for the ever popular "unspecified violation of team rules."

To make matters worse for FAU, starting safety Winfred Strickland will also miss the game with the Hurricanes because of a head injury.  Strickland had 28 tackles and an interception for the Owls in 2012.