BOCA RATON, FL – For the seventh consecutive time, the FAU Owls defeated the FIU Panthers to take home the Shula Bowl. The in-state rivalry is fierce, and there was plenty of drama from each fanbase leading up to this matchup. And despite the 38-20 score, this game was far out of reach by the end of the third quarter.
Once again, FAU was able to rely on their defense in this contest. This time, however, the offense finally came through – specifically the rushing attack. We’ll break down some of the key plays, moments, and stories of this matchup.
Another Slow Start for the FAU Owls Offense
The game was delayed for over an hour, as a torrential downpour occurred during warmups. Despite that, plenty of fans waited out the delay for this rivalry matchup. However, sloppiness quickly found its way to the field.
In the first drive of the game, FIU marched down the field. It took less than five plays for them to find the endzone, gashing the FAU Owls defense through the air. Panthers quarterback Keyone Jenkins put an exclamation point on the drive with his 30+ yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eric Rivers.
Unfortunately, most of us in the press box weren’t actually able to watch that drive unfold – as condensation from the storm did its part in fogging the windows. Thankfully, the FAU staff had some creative solutions to clear the windows for the rest of the game.
Things looked bleak for Florida Atlantic, as their first possession of the game ended with a three and out. It’s been a common theme for the FAU offense – and they must learn to start games quickly going forward. Things didn’t get any better when the offense stalled on their second possession. Punting from their own endzone FIU blocked the kick. And an illegal touching call on FAU would put the ball on their own 12-yard line for the Panthers.
The Defense Steps Up – Again
To be honest, the Florida Atlantic offense did next to nothing in the first quarter of this game. As has been a running theme, however, the defense was able to step up and stop the bleeding.
After the blocked kick, the defense took advantage of FIU errors and forced them into a three and out of their own. The Panthers missed the ensuing field goal attempt, but Florida Atlantic’s offense continued to sputter.
Things started to change once the defense asserted their dominance.
On the next FIU drive, defensive end Eric Brantley Jr. forced a fumble, which was picked up by NT Jaden Wheeler at the FIU 12-yard line. The short field allowed the Owls to punch it in from a Zuberi Mobley 1-yard rush.
That turnover would be the first of five for the FAU Owls. Along with Wheeler’s recovery, safety CJ Heard would recover a fumble as well (forced by Kahzir Brown). The team also had three interceptions from Daedae Hill, Brown, and Phillip Dunnam.
As has been the case for FAU all season, the team will live and die by their defense. And in this game, they were able to dominate.
The Rushing Attack Takes Off
After severely struggling for the first two games of the season, the FAU Owls finally got their rushing attack going in this matchup.
Zuberi Mobley led the charge with 20 carries for 134 yards and three touchdowns. It’s the first multi-score game from an Owls running back since October 2023. However, the game-changing moment occurred in the second quarter when Mobley broke a 4th and 1 rush for a 72-yard touchdown.
ZUBERI MOBLEY 72 YARD HOUSE CALL pic.twitter.com/TsR1FJ5NaS
— BarstoolFAU (@barstool_fau) September 15, 2024
Along with Mobley, running back CJ Campbell and quarterback Cam Fancher scored rushing touchdowns of their own.
Passing Game Inconsistencies
Despite the rushing attack taking off, one thing has been constant for the FAU Owls. Their passing attack has been inconsistent – at best.
Against Florida International, the Owls were able to scheme players completely open. And while Fancher did not commit any back-breaking turnovers in this matchup, he was late and behind on a handful of throws that could have been scores.
However, the more concerning issue regarding the Owls’ passing attack is the lack of involvement from the wide receivers. Going into the fourth quarter of this game, only three catches were made by wide receivers. Now, obviously that didn’t matter much in this matchup, but it’s a concerning trend as the season continues.
The leading receiver on the team in this matchup was running back CJ Campbell, who had four catches for 59 yards. The only other player with more than one catch was Zuberi Mobley, who had two for 10 yards. This is an aspect of the Owls offense that needs to improve – and quickly.
Postgame Press Notes
In his first Shula Bowl, head coach Tom Herman was visibly relieved that his team was able to come away with a victory in this rivalry matchup. He opened his presser announcing the team injuries – some of which were significant.
Cornerback Daedae Hill suffered a sprained ankle but isn’t expected to miss the upcoming game against UConn. Fancher is still dealing with a slight injury to his non-throwing hand. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Daughtry Richardson broke his hand in warmups and is expected to miss some time. Linebacker Jarvis Johnson left the game with a knee injury and that has yet to be updated.
You can view the rest of Herman’s presser in the video below.
Florida Atlantic head coach Tom Herman's entire press conference after beating the FIU Panthers in the Shula Bowl. The team stepped up in a must-win game.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/PGLWNAutpc
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) September 15, 2024
Next up at postgame media availability was quarterback Cam Fancher. Fancher had his best game of the season in this matchup, and did not turn the ball over.
Florida Atlantic quarterback Cam Fancher hit the podium after the Owls' victory. Fancher had a rushing touchdown and had a good passing game against the FIU Panthers.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/mFH6xAXrXR
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) September 15, 2024
Following Fancher was running back Zuberi Mobley. Mobley led the FAU Owls in yards and touchdowns in what was the best game in his young career.
Florida Atlantic running back Zuberi Mobley took to the podium after his dominant three touchdown performance against the FIU Panthers.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/OTWUncvOVI
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) September 15, 2024
The next player at the podium for the FAU Owls was cornerback Daedae Hill. Hill had an interception in the game and was seen entering the room in a walking boot. Despite that, the cornerback is expected to play in the team’s Week 4 matchup.
Florida Atlantic cornerback Daedae Hill took to the podium after a dominant defensive performance that included an INT from Hill. He twisted his ankle in the game, but should be good to play against UConn next week.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/kUFzSYlFXG
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) September 15, 2024
Last to the podium was Florida Atlantic center Federico Maranges. Maranges is a veteran on the team who has been present for multiple Shula Bowl victories for the Owls. He discussed the importance of this victory for himself, and the team.
Florida Atlantic center Federico Maranges entered the postgame press conference after a great performance by the offensive line in the Shula Bowl.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/mde7B3QFYF
— Tommy Jets (@ThomasCP_NFL) September 15, 2024
