MIAMI – The 17th annual Shula Bowl is now over and the score is settled for now.
In a game like the Shula Bowl it usually comes down to this: the team that makes the least mistakes will be victorious.
Did FIU underestimate FAU ahead of the Shula Bowl due to its recent struggles?
It’s hard to say what could account for such a poor performance by the entire FIU team, but the element of surprise may have been one.
Hear me out.
About three weeks ago FIU head coach Butch Davis warned us of teams like FAU with his quote after the win over Rice.
“Wounded animals are dangerous people,” Davis said.
Nothing couldn’t have been more true of the Shula Bowl.
Desperation can breed success and that could account for FAU’s performance.
FAU head coach Lane Kiffin actually played Deandre Johnson, and he was able to shine. With Jake Peavey as the primary backup to Chris Robison, the appearance of Johnson could have thrown a wrench in the Panthers plans as they weren’t ready for him due to the little amount of film Johnson has.
1. FIU missed a big opportunity to change the course of the game early on. Quarterback James Morgan threw a perfectly placed ball in the end zone and wide out CJ Worton let go through his hands. Worton will be kicking himself about that one for some time.
2. FAU’s defense did not miss a beat. The absence of the Owls captain and arguably best defensive player linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been something the Owls have been dealing with for several weeks now. If Saturday was any indication of things to come, then FAU may be able to turn the season around. With only 14 points allowed, FAU ended the FIU’s quest for perfection in Conference USA play.
3. FAU may have found a secret weapon in Deandre Johnson as he was able to literally change the pace of the game with his running ability. FAU snapped its 0-4 road record in its win over FIU. Saturday was the first time FAU was able to put together a complete game in several weeks. This current team almost looks like the 2017 squad that went 11-3 overall and undefeated in Conference USA.
FIU has a lot to hang it’s hat on as it was already bowl eligible ahead of the Shula Bowl. It can’t be taken away from this Miami-based program. FAU is only the third team that can say it beat FIU this year, although this was definitely a must-win for the Panthers to show they’re for real.
FAU will need to win if it wants to deem this a successful season. The Owls have already completed the feat of keeping the Shula Bowl trophy and lead the series 12-5. With Robison banged up, it will be interesting to see what happens in the week with questions surrounding Robison and his replacement.
No quarterback, no problem.
Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte ran wild against FIU. The pair combined for 349 yards and four touchdowns. If the two can duplicate their rushing attack, along with the potential for Deandre Johnson seeing increased reps, the Owls could literally run away with more games in the near future.
FAU’s next game will be at home against lowly Western Kentucky at Sat, Nov. 10 with a 5 p.m. kickoff in Boca Raton. A win over Western Kentucky could start a winning streak for the Owls as they look to win out and get bowl eligible.
FIU’s next game will be Saturday, Nov. 10, with a 7 p.m. kickoff at UTSA in San Antonio. This is a very winnable game and could get things back on track for FIU as it looks to close the season on a high note.
