The Shula Bowl has always carried weight in South Florida, but this year’s edition marked a turning point. Florida International University snapped its seven-game skid against Florida Atlantic University with a commanding 38–28 win, giving new coach Willie Simmons his first signature victory.
For FIU players, coaches and fans, it was more than bragging rights, it was momentum and belief in a new era.
“This is a new era, and this should be the expectation,” Simmons said after the win. “When we play our brand of hard-nosed, smash-mouth football, we’re a tough team to beat.”
A RIVALRY RECLAIMED IN THE RAIN
The Panthers had not beaten the Owls since 2016, making Saturday night’s triumph especially sweet. FIU jumped out early, capitalized on FAU mistakes, and never let the Owls find rhythm.
Both programs entered the season under new leadership — Simmons for FIU and Zach Kittley for FAU — but on this night, the Panthers looked like the steadier, more physical team.
DEFENSE SHINES AGAINST AN NFL PROSPECT
The biggest story came on defense. FIU’s secondary — the unit of defensive backs tasked with covering receivers — disrupted FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp, a projected NFL draft pick, all night. Veltkamp, the second NFL-caliber quarterback FIU has faced this year, after taking on Penn State’s Drew Allar in Week 2, was intercepted three times and held to modest efficiency despite throwing 50 passes.
Shamir Sterlin, Mister Clark and Jessiah McGrew each snagged a pick for the Panthers. Clark and McGrew returned theirs for 25 and 30 yards, respectively, setting up short scoring drives that swung momentum against the Owls (1-2).
“We can play with anybody, and we came to play,” Sterlin said. “There can’t be lazy throws against us because we’re going to take advantage of every single one.”
Simmons praised his defenders’ preparation, adding that, “we felt that if we put pressure on the quarterback, he’d give us some 50-50 balls — and we came up with them.”
JENKINS AND OWENS LEAD THE CHARGE
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins gave the Panthers steady leadership, completing 18 of 24 passes for 184 yards, while also tossing his first passing touchdown of the season. He added 43 rushing yards and another score, keeping the offense steady even after a two-hour lightning delay left the field heavy and slick.
But the night belonged to senior running back Kejon Owens. After a quiet first half, he erupted in the second, finishing with 173 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Owens also chipped in three receptions for 19 yards, proving himself as FIU’s offensive engine.
“It’s surreal. Just blessed and thankful,” Owens said. “We knew we were the more physical team, and we just had to lock in and play Panther football.”
Owens credited his line as well: “I love my O-line, man. They work day in, day out. It starts with those guys up front.”
Maguire Anderson contributed five catches for 81 yards, highlighted by a 46-yard strike from Jenkins, while Alex Perry added two grabs for 46 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers.
LOOKING AHEAD
The victory was more than a rivalry highlight, it was proof of FIU’s growth under Simmons. The defense showed it can match up against elite quarterbacks.
Jenkins and Owens cemented themselves as reliable leaders of the offense.
FIU now stands at 2-1, undefeated at Pitbull Stadium, and enters conference play with renewed hope against the Delaware Blue Hens.
“We’re building a foundation here,” Simmons said. “And this win is just the start.”
