On a balmy Saturday night in Boca Raton, the Florida Atlantic Owls kept the Shula Bowl trophy where it has resided for the past seven years, outmuscling the Florida International Panthers 38-20 at FAU Stadium. In a rivalry steeped in South Florida football tradition, FAU (1-2) continued its dominance over FIU (0-3), improving to 17-4 all-time in the Don Shula Bowl series.
Running back Zuberi Mobley was the star of the night, showcasing his prowess with 134 rushing yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns. His performance powered the Owls’ offense and overwhelmed the Panthers’ defense, especially in a crucial second quarter.
The game began with FIU striking first, as quarterback Keyone Jenkins connected with Eric Rivers on a 32-yard touchdown pass, giving the Panthers their lone lead of the night. Jenkins, who threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns, showed promise early but struggled with inconsistency, tossing three interceptions that stunted FIU’s momentum.
FAU responded late in the first quarter when Mobley punched in a 1-yard touchdown, knotting the game at 7-7. From there, the Owls’ offense found its rhythm and never looked back.
In a decisive second quarter, Mobley broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run, stunning the Panthers’ defense. A field goal from Morgan Suarez extended the lead to 17-7, and Mobley capped off the first-half scoring with another 1-yard touchdown run. By halftime, FAU held a commanding 24-7 lead.
The second half saw the Panthers trying to claw their way back, but Jenkins’ interceptions allowed FAU to maintain control. Jenkins did throw two more touchdown passes in the second half, but the Owls answered with a methodical offense that controlled the tempo. Mobley’s three touchdowns, combined with FAU’s balanced attack, outgained FIU 420-368 in total yards.
The Owls defense also played a key role, particularly with the timely interceptions that halted FIU drives. Despite Jenkins’ passing yards, the Panthers couldn’t sustain enough drives to seriously threaten FAU’s lead.
The victory not only marks FAU’s first win of the season but also cements their seventh consecutive Shula Bowl triumph. With the win, the Owls hold onto the Shula Bowl trophy, keeping it in Boca Raton for another year.
