Florida Atlantic Runs Away From Texas Southern in 66-10 Week 5 Rout

Leonard Farrow’s Two Kickoff Returns Highlight Owls’ Dominant Victory

Florida Atlantic turned special teams and defense into an early scoring barrage before its offense took over, routing Texas Southern 66-10 on Saturday night in a dominant Week 5 college football victory. Leonard Farrow returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, Caden Veltkamp threw four touchdown passes and the Owls scored 49 points before halftime to improve to 4-1 on the season.

Farrow Sparks FAU With Back-to-Back Kickoff Returns

Farrow wasted little time putting Florida Atlantic in control, returning the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. After Texas Southern answered with a field goal, Farrow struck again, taking the ensuing kickoff 92 yards to the end zone.

The Owls’ defense then joined the scoring party. Wilky Denaud recovered a fumble and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown on Texas Southern’s next possession, giving FAU a 21-3 advantage before its offense had even taken the field.

The two kickoff returns made Farrow the latest Division I player to accomplish the feat since Villanova’s Ja’briel Mace returned two kickoffs for touchdowns against William & Mary last season.

Veltkamp, Valsin Lead Offensive Explosion

Not to be outdone by the special teams and defense, Veltkamp guided the Owls to touchdowns on each of their first four offensive possessions. All four drives ended with touchdown passes as Florida Atlantic built a commanding 49-10 halftime lead.

Veltkamp completed 13 of 16 passes for 247 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those scoring throws went to Kelby Valsin, who caught touchdown passes of 19, 55 and 8 yards. Valsin finished with seven receptions for 126 yards, providing Veltkamp with a reliable target as the Owls continued to pile up points.

Owls Nearly Match School Scoring Record

Florida Atlantic finished with 323 passing yards, 130 rushing yards and 214 yards on kickoff and punt returns, showcasing its dominance in all three phases. Texas Southern was led by Athean Renfro Jr., who rushed for 101 yards, but the Tigers were unable to keep pace with the Owls’ relentless attack. Texas Southern fell to 1-4 with the loss.

FAU’s 66 points fell just short of the program’s record of 69, set in a 69-31 victory over North Texas in 2017. The Owls instead settled for their fourth win of the season while continuing to build momentum heading into the second half of their schedule.

Up Coming Games For Florida Atlantic and Texas Southern

Texas Southern will look to rebound next Saturday when it hosts Mississippi Valley State. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, will have additional time before returning to action. The Owls’ next game is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Army.