BOCA RATON, FLA – This is Shula bowl week, meaning the annual match up between FAU and FIU is known as the Shula Bowl, is BACK. named after legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula.

Coach Shula led the Dolphins from 1970 to 1995, en route to becoming the winning-est coach in NFL history. He also led Miami to the NFL’s only perfect, undefeated season in 1972.

Ties To Shula

FAU’s first head coach, Howard Schnellenberger, worked under Shula with the Miami Dolphins during the 1970s as an assistant and offensive coordinator.

Schnellenberger later became FAU’s inaugural head coach, creating a direct connection between Shula and the early history of the Owls’ football program.

FIU has its own connection to Shula through Don Strock, the program’s first head coach. Strock played quarterback under Shula during his NFL career before becoming FIU’s inaugural head coach.

With both schools’ first head coaches having ties to Shula, as well with how close and similar the schools’ are, this game has no choice but to be dubbed the Shula Bowl.

This year, both teams enter the game 1-1, FAU with a loss to Florida in week one, and a high-scoring win over Navy last Saturday.

On the other hand, FIU lost on the road in week one to USF and was able to bounce back at home last week against Buffalo.

Last year’s matchup was a late night classic after a weather delay pushed the game back. FIU won 38-28, putting a dent into the all time series as the FAU leads 17-5 all time (FIU’s 2005 win was vacated).

Saturday at 6 in Boca, FAU is set to host FIU and look for revenge and to extend their series lead. New Era Prep will be LIVE from the action.