Florida Atlantic Holds Off Navy 38-30 in American Conference Opener

American Conference Opener in Paradise

Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp threw five touchdown passes, Collin Rogers drilled a program-record 60-yard field goal, and the Owls held off a furious Navy comeback attempt to defeat the Midshipmen 38-30 on Saturday night in the American Conference opener for both teams.

The victory gave Florida Atlantic its first win of the season and improved the Owls to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Navy fell to 1-0 overall and 0-1 in the American Conference after nearly completing a remarkable second-half rally.

Veltkamp Leads Explosive Florida Atlantic Start

Florida Atlantic wasted little time taking control. Veltkamp connected with Easton Messer on a 76-yard touchdown pass in the opening minute, immediately putting the Owls in front.

Navy answered when Braxton Woodson broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run, but the Midshipmen would not score again until late in the third quarter. Florida Atlantic responded by scoring the next 31 points, turning an early 7-7 game into a commanding 38-7 advantage.

Veltkamp was outstanding throughout the night, completing 27 of 32 passes for 386 yards and five touchdowns. Messer was his top target, catching eight passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Kelby Valsin also caught eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, while Dominique Henry and AJ Johnson added touchdown receptions.

Rogers Sets Florida Atlantic Field-Goal Record

One of the biggest highlights came just before halftime when Rogers connected on a 60-yard field goal, setting a program record and giving the Owls a 17-7 lead at the break.

Florida Atlantic continued to pile on the points in the second half, eventually taking a 38-7 lead with 2:39 remaining in the third quarter. With the Owls seemingly in complete control, Navy suddenly found another gear.

Navy Rallies in Fourth Quarter

Jackson Gutierrez helped ignite the Midshipmen’s comeback by throwing two touchdown passes. Navy also recorded a safety, cutting the deficit to 38-22.

Gutierrez then broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown run with 1:46 remaining, pulling Navy within 38-30 and giving the Midshipmen a chance to complete one of the most improbable comebacks of the young college football season.

Florida Atlantic, however, came up with the decisive play. The Owls recovered Navy’s ensuing onside kick, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Navy’s Ground Game Provides Late Spark

Gutierrez completed 6 of 12 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while Woodson finished 3 of 11 passing for 47 yards with an interception. The two Navy quarterbacks combined for 19 carries and 171 rushing yards, with each finding the end zone on the ground.

Despite the late surge, Navy’s slow start proved too much to overcome as Florida Atlantic’s offense built an insurmountable lead before the Midshipmen mounted their comeback.

Next Saturday Action

Navy will have an extended break before returning to action against UAB on Sept. 25. Florida Atlantic will return home next Saturday to face Florida International, looking to build on its impressive conference-opening victory.