Boca Raton, FL – Florida Atlantic University brings the Shula Trophy back to Boca.
This was a game of many emotions and it was evident from the pregame talks of FAU wanting to make a statement, which they did.
The Owls struck fast as their first drive took ten plays and a little over three minutes to complete after Quarterback Jason Driskel got the ball in the hands of
Tight end Harrison Bryant. There was a stoppage of play after the lights went out on the field for about ten minutes. Devin Singletary would get the Owls on the board again late in the first quarter after 70 yard run.
The Panthers offense were without their top target Wide receiver Thomas Owens and it was evident early on as the panthers
relied heavily on Running back Alex Gardner. FAU Defensive tackle Jeremiah Taleni showed up and sacked Panthers Quarterback Alex McGough to put an end to the Panthers first drive. The Panthers struggled to get anything going in the first quarter.
The second quarter was full of action as both squads were fighting to take the lead. A sack by FIU Defensive end Fermin Silva seemed to give the Panthers a bit of momentum. FIU would come out and score a pass from Alex McGough to Darrius Scott. The Panthers were position to tie the game after Panthers Cornerback Andrew Brown picked off Jason Driskel and put FIU in the red zone. FAU’s defense would hunker down and make the Panthers settle for a 31 yard field goal by Kicker Jose Borregales.
The Owls regained momentum in the second quarter after a six yard pass from Jason Driskel to D’Anfe McGriff to put the Owls up 21-10 right before halftime.
The Jason Driskel and Kalib Woods show would begin in the second half as the two hooked up for two touchdowns in the second half. Jason Driskel would finish the game with 18 of 25 passing, 239 yards, and have a career high 4 touchdown passes. Kalib Woods would finish the game with 7 catches, 172 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Devin Singletary ran wild as usual and finished the game with 25 carries, 164 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Devin Singletary is leading the nation in rushing touchdowns by five right now, he has a total of 24.
The second half was almost entirely dominated by the Owls as they marched up and down the field scoring a total of 31 points. The Owls last score would come from Senior Running back Greg “Buddy” Howell to put FAU up 52-24 and punch the Owls ticket to the Conference USA championship game.
The unspoken Shula Bowl tradition of the winning team sprinting to the Trophy without shaking hands with the losing team continued last night. Furthermore after a thorough investigation
by the New Era Prep staff, it was concluded that FAU wide receiver Tavaris “Pico” Harrison was the first to touch the Don Shula award Trophy last night after as his right hand grazed the base of the trophy prior to another player clutching it.
FAU Head Coach Lane Kiffin was very excited and pleased with how his team took care of business for the Shula Bowl and went on to state “When you’re the new
bully in town you have to take care of everybody.”
Devin Singletary was much more animated than usual after the Shula Bowl Victory and when asked how does it feel to get the trophy back he stated
“It’s one of the best feelings in the world, we needed to get that (Don Shula Award Trophy) back to the crib .” Jalen Young gave a very heartfelt post game interview as he talked about the victory over FIU by stating “It’s big! We actually came through for them (fans).It’s been years where we let a lot of people down. This year we actually stepped up to the plate and came through.”
The Owls improve their record to (8-3, 7-0 CUSA) and they’ll be on the road next weekend to face off with the Charolette 49ers in another Conference USA matchup.
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