2025 Shula Bowl Preview: FIU Panthers vs. FAU Owls Must-Know Keys and Predictions

Rivalry games bring the best out of everyone. The energy is high, the fanbases get worked up, and the players understand the stakes of the game. Rivalry games also tend to be high-octane, and the discourse after them is always entertaining. The Shula Bowl has all of the trademarks of a great rivalry. The FIU Panthers and Florida Atlantic Owls share a rich history in south Florida and similar success as programs. Additionally, both fanbases are very passionate about this game, wanting to hold the yearly bragging rights over the opposing fanbase. That makes the 2025 Shula Bowl an exciting matchup in Week 3.

Both teams have head coaches with very high upside. Both have rosters with plenty of potential at different positions. And if things continue on the right path, both teams could become competitive in their respective conferences down the line.

The 2025 Shula Bowl is a game that should be fun and exciting. How do FAU and FIU stack up against each other? And what are the main keys to the game? Let’s dive in.

FIU vs. Florida Atlantic: Matchup History and Excerpts

In the history of the Shula Bowl, FAU has had the significant edge in the matchup with FIU. Florida Atlantic has a 17-5 record against the FIU Panthers in a series that dates back to 2002. The Owls have also not lost a matchup to FIU since 2016, winning the past seven games in this contest. Last year’s matchup, played in Boca Raton, went in favor of the Owls by a score of 38-20.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, head coach Willie Simmons said that running the ball is a “staple” for the Panthers’ offense.

“I think the guys showed this past weekend that we can run the football. I said it all season, KJ Owens is maybe our best player on offense, even more valuable to us than Lyghtz (Keyone Jenkins). So, we have to ride them … Our offensive line has accepted the challenge of running the football every week. Regardless of the front we see, regardless of the pressures we see, we have to be able to communicate and get a hat on a hat. If we do that, our backs have shown that they can make guys miss and go the distance.

This week will be the same challenge. They will mix up fronts, jump between four down and three down defensive linemen, and change coverages up on you. But we have to be able to identify where they are, communicate the blocking scheme, and make sure nobody is unblocked. If we do that, I feel confident that we will be able to establish a solid ground game, which will then open things up for the passing game.”

As for the Panthers’ defense, LB Josiah Taylor offered a simple statement on how the unit can get the FAU offense off base and uncomfortable.

“I think if we stop number eight, we can give them a long night.”

For FAU, defensive coordinator Brett Dewhurst said that stopping the run game comes down to “doing your job.”

“We have done a decent job of tackling in these past two weeks. You do not see a bunch of one guy missing a tackle and nobody being there, but there have been a couple of breakout runs. Usually, when there is a mistake within the scheme or a guy does not do their job, the ball finds it … It’s critical from all aspects. I think it is critical to play multiple fronts, so they do not know exactly what you are in and can scheme you up. I also like to move the front, see what their strength is, try to take away their strength, and capitalize on that.”

FAU vs. FIU 2025: Keys to the Shula Bowl

Key Players for FAU

The main key player, to nobody’s surprise, is quarterback Caden Veltkamp. The Western Kentucky transfer has experienced both ends of the spectrum through two games with the Owls. Against Maryland, Veltkamp was in massive trouble. He was constantly under duress and was extremely inaccurate. Yet in Week 2, the quarterback was mostly precise and accurate, throwing for over 300 yards and five touchdowns.

In his third game of the year, Veltkamp will have to be at his best for the Owls to win this game. FIU’s defense is very talented and dynamic, showing off its high-end ability against the likes of both Bethune-Cookman and Penn State. They can lock down receivers, stifle the run, and get pressure at key moments.

Things will not be as smooth for Veltkamp compared to last week, and the quarterback has to be prepared for that. If he brings his A-game with regard to his decision-making and ability to deal with pressure, FAU could have a very good day. If he does not, though, the game could have a chance to slip away from the Owls.

Yet, the most important players for the Owls this week are the offensive and defensive lines.

The offensive line has some standouts, as Vincent Fiacable and Scarlee Jean  have graded out as great pass blockers, while Ja’Kavion Nonar has been great all-around. The defensive line has done a great job stopping the run. Enyce Sledge has clogged up lanes nicely, while Naejaun Barber has been one of the unit’s best producers with six run stops.

However, there are also some things to be concerned about. Two starters, Daughtry Richardson and Alex Atcavage, have allowed six pressures each through two games. On defense, Tycoolhill Luman and Eric Brantley Jr. are among the only defensive linemen with true playing time and an above-average pass rushing grades (86.6 and 68.4). The overall unit is also only credited for two sacks.

To beat FIU, that has to change quickly. The Owls need to be able to throw change-ups at the Panthers, whether it is through running the ball on offense or rushing the passer on defense. If FAU struggles in those areas again in the trenches, FIU will make them one-dimensional, and as a result, attack the weak spots along FAU’s units.

Key Players for FIU

For FIU, Keyone Jenkins and the secondary are what to watch on Saturday in the Shula Bowl.

Jenkins has not had out-of-this-world production to start the 2025 season. The quarterback has 314 yards, one interception, a 57.9 completion percentage, and 21 rushing yards. He has made some miscues down the field, but he has also had some of his receivers drop what could have been big plays. Additionally, Jenkins has just been a little bit off on some of his accuracy with his misses down the field.

It is very likely that the Owls will do everything in their power to focus on stopping the run game. Between the offensive line and a dynamic trio of Kejon Owens, Anthony Carrie, and Devonte Lyons, FIU has the Owls’ full attention. As a result, Jenkins will have the opportunity to punish the FAU defense if they overcommit to the run, as the skilled FIU wideouts could easily get behind the Owls’ secondary.

If Jenkins finds his rhythm and his accuracy from the spring clicks in place, Saturday could be his 2025 breakout game. If not, FIU may have a long night if they cannot run the ball. Jenkins, in one way or another, is critical for the Panthers to win this week.

The other critical aspect for the Panthers, outside of Jenkins, is their secondary.

FAU head coach Zach Kittley is going to want to throw the ball a lot. The Owls have a deep group of receivers and a fun scheme. That will put the Panthers’ group in constant conflict.

FIU has the talent in the room to compete,  led by Brian Blades II, Mister Clark, and others. They have shown the ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the best talent in the country in Penn State. Now, they just have to keep that level up, and if they do, things could go very well for the Panthers on Saturday.

Keys to Victory: 2025 Shula Bowl

In this weekend’s highly anticipated 2025 Shula Bowl, here is how each team can come away with a victory in Week 3.

FAU Keys to Victory

Stop the Run

FIU has had plenty of success running the football in the first two weeks of their season. The Owls need to ensure that they fly downhill, wrap up tackles, and force FIU into clear passing downs. If they cannot do this, it will be a long night.

Get Veltkamp Comfortable

The Owls will need their star quarterback to be a star quarterback late in this game. FAU needs to scheme up some easy throws and concepts to get the offense rolling, just like they did against FAMU. The Owls must avoid a slow start on offense like they had against Maryland.

FIU Keys to Victory

Unpredictable Offense

It is well known that the Panthers can run the ball, and they can run it very well. As a result, FAU will likely make it a key part of their game plan to force FIU into passing downs. The Panthers can make the Owls pay for this with some counters early on in the game, such as a deep shot or screen pass to put the defense on their heels. It all comes down to execution, of course.

Test the FAU Trenches

FAU has shown some potential weak spots along their trenches. The Panthers need to attack those weak points to see if FAU is capable of fixing them or covering them up. Kittley and his staff will have a way to try to gameplan around those players, and expect the units to improve. However, FIU still needs to push that button early in the game. If the Owls cannot overcome their trench play, the Panthers may waltz to a victory.

Fly Out of the Gates

FIU has not won the Shula Bowl in seven years. The Panthers need to come into this game and throw the first punch. In all honesty, nothing else would be acceptable for FIU as they try to break their losing streak in this rivalry.