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Shula Bowl | Florida Atlantic edges FIU behind defense, special teams
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- Shula Bowl | Florida Atlantic edges FIU behind defense, special teams
BOCA RATON – The Shula Bowl trophy is back on the Florida Atlantic campus.
Behind three first-quarter interceptions and three field goals, FAU defeated Florida International 16-10 in a gritty, defensive battle that was the lowest scoring game in the 24-year series. After coming up short last September against the Panthers (1-2), the Owls (2-1) have brought the Shula Bowl trophy home.
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"That thing was not right outside my office for the last year, so I'm glad to have that back first and foremost," FAU coach Zach Kittley said.
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The Owls started the first quarter on fire defensively, allowing zero points and intercepting Panthers quarterback JJ Kohl three times, including the third play of the game when linebacker Jonathan Bax recorded his first career interception.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bo Simpson-Nealy #20 of the Florida Atlantic Owls celebrates his interception with his team against the Florida International Panthers during the first quarter of a game at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Noah Goldberg/Getty Images)
FAU's only touchdown came in the first quarter, running back Leonard Farrow scoring on a 4-yard run, his first touchdown as an Owl.
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Here are three takeaways from FAU's Shula Bowl victory, which gave them an 18-5 lead in the series:
FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp managed the game well
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: Ethan Ervin #21 of the Florida Atlantic Owls runs with the ball against the Florida International Panthers during the third quarter of a game at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Noah Goldberg/Getty Images)
Caden Veltkamp didn't quite match the electricity of last week's five-touchdown performance in the win against Navy, but he did one important thing - protect the ball.
"There was one that I put in jeopardy today on the first drive, I threw into double coverage," Veltkamp said.
Veltkamp threw for 198 yards and zero interceptions for the second straight game, marking his first two-game stretch as an Owl without an interception.
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"I have to keep playing well, continue to study my opponent, and just make smart decisions. That was a huge positive for us tonight," he said.
FIU's defense has allowed two passing touchdowns all season, but Veltkamp remained calm and delivered passes to lead the Owls to crucial first downs.
However, Veltkamp was unhappy with the team's offensive display.
"At the end of the day, we played like ass on offense," he said.
The Owls show they can win in multiple ways
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 19: The Shula Award after the Florida Atlantic Owls ripped off the the Florida International Panthers helmet after the game at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Noah Goldberg/Getty Images)
The Owls mainly have won in the Kittley era behind explosive offensive performances. Against FIU, that wasn't the case.
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The Owls were outgained 357-258 yards with less passing and rushing yards than the Panthers.
Veltkamp was sacked three times and FAU had 10 penalties.
The Owls used an impressive defensive performance and key special teams plays to end up holding the Shula Bowl trophy.
"The way we won this game tonight shows a lot of grit in this football program. 
That's something I'm super proud of," Kittley said. "I like the blue-collar mentality, man. I'm fine with the 16 to 10 win. I want to score 50 points a game, but again, I love winning."
A stout performance from the FAU defense
Besides the interceptions - their most in four seasons - the defense also forced a fumble.
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Bax got the pick party started. Cornerback Chris Tooley III intercepted Kohl late in the first quarter to set up the Owls' only touchdown.
The final interception came from safety Bo Simpson-Nealy, marking his second straight game with a pick. After back to back strong defensive performances, Simpson-Nealy gave credit to the coaching staff.
"Coach Dewhurst (Brett, defensive coordinator) has been putting us in the best position to win for the last three games," Simpson-Nealy said. "The first game (loss to Florida ) we just didn't make the plays that we're supposed to make."
There was a late scare when the Owls punted with under two minutes to go. But the defense came alive to clinch the game. With four seconds left, Kohl's pass sailed out of the end zone.
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"You can give up 98 yards. Don't give up 99 and we found a way to do that," said Kittley, referring to the final drive. "A little weight lifted off of their shoulders when that ball sailed over the end zone."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Shula Bowl | Florida Atlantic edges FIU behind defense, special teams
