BOCA RATON, FL – Shula Bowl XXIV delivered drama, defense, and a frantic finish. This wasn’t a shootout, but it featured the big plays and fourth-down spectacle you’d expect in a rivalry game. The FAU Owls beat the FIU Panthers 16-10 to reclaim the Shula Bowl after surviving a fourth-quarter comeback attempt on the last possession.
“First comments were from older guys who this game means more to, calling out some things that they’ve seen throughout the week,” said Coach Willie Simmons. “Certain guys not buying in the way that we need to buy in, or sacrificing the way we need to sacrifice, or not taking it as seriously as we need to take it. If I got to be public enemy number one to make that happen, then I’ll be public enemy number one because this is the last time I lose a game because we played poorly.”
FAU Takes Advantage of Turnovers
The Owls scored their first points and jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the opening quarter. This was thanks in part to three interceptions thrown by JJ Kohl. Despite being given great field position, FIU’s defense kept them in the game.
In the second quarter, Kohl bounced back, throwing a 29-yard pass to Jojo Stone. In FAU territory, he threw a 13-yard completion to James Resar. Unfortunately, Robert Czeremcha missed the field goal, and FIU turned the ball over on downs…