Florida Atlantic Holds Off Florida International 16-10 Behind Three Turnovers

The Shula Bowl Took Place Saturday Night in Boca

Florida Atlantic leaned on its defense and the leg of kicker Collin Rogers to secure a 16-10 victory over Florida International on Saturday night in a Week 3 college football matchup.

The Owls forced three turnovers in the first quarter and held the Panthers scoreless over the final 13-plus minutes to improve to 2-1 on the season. Florida International dropped to 1-2 after failing to capitalize on several late opportunities.

FAU Capitalizes on Three First Quarter Interceptions

Florida Atlantic quickly took control by forcing three interceptions from Florida International quarterback JJ Kohl during the opening quarter. Leonard Farrow turned the first takeaway into points, scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter to give the Owls an early 7-0 advantage.

Rogers added a 24-yard field goal early in the second quarter as FAU extended its lead to 10-0. Rogers ultimately connected on three of his four field-goal attempts, providing the Owls with nine crucial points. Florida International finally answered before halftime when Kohl scored on a 3-yard touchdown run, cutting FAU’s lead to 10-7 heading into the break.

Rogers’ Third Quarter Field Goals Prove Crucial

Florida Atlantic regained control in the third quarter as Rogers connected on field goals from 30 and 36 yards. The two kicks pushed the Owls’ advantage to 16-7 and proved to be the difference as the Panthers struggled to finish drives in the fourth quarter.

FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp delivered a steady performance, completing 24 of 36 passes for 202 yards without throwing an interception.

The Owls’ defense also came through when it mattered most. Chris Tooley III, Bo Simpson-Nealy and Jonathan Bax each recorded an interception, helping FAU overcome Florida International’s ability to move the ball through the air.

FIU Threatens Late but Can’t Finish

Kohl finished 22 of 43 passing for 262 yards, but his three first-quarter interceptions put the Panthers in an early hole. After Robert Czeremcha made a 36-yard field goal with 13:28 remaining to cut FAU’s lead to 16-10, Florida International had multiple opportunities to complete the comeback.

The Panthers turned the ball over on downs on each of their final three possessions. Kohl’s first late mistake came on fourth-and-4 from the FAU 9-yard line when his pass fell incomplete. On the Panthers’ next possession, he was sacked on fourth-and-5 near midfield with 2:38 remaining.

Florida International got one final opportunity after forcing a three-and-out with 1:51 left. Kohl drove the Panthers to the FAU 17-yard line, but three consecutive incomplete passes ended the threat and sealed the Owls’ victory.

What’s Next for Florida Atlantic and FIU

Florida Atlantic improved to 2-1 with the 16-10 victory and will look to build on the win when it travels to face Louisiana-Monroe next Saturday. Florida International fell to 1-2 and will return home next Saturday to take on Long Island.