By : Marlon Maurisset
(Photo/Marlon Maurisset-The Mojo Network)
FIU came out strong in the Shula Bowl, setting the tone early with a turnover by FAU’s offense. On FAU’s first drive, Shamir Sterlin of FIU snagged an interception on third down. FIU’s offense then took advantage, marching 48 yards in eight plays in 4:24 capped off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Kejon Owens for a 7-0 lead. FAU struck back quickly though: quarterback Caden Veltkamp connected with Jayshon Platt down the right sideline, followed by a scramble into the end zone to even the game at 7.
In the second quarter, FAU seemed to have the edge, putting together a long drive after forcing a fumble recovery from a bad snap by FIU. Veltkamp hit Easton Messer for a 23-yard touchdown to tie it up, then later found Xavier Terrell for a 32-yard score giving FAU a 21-17 lead going into halftime. But FIU knotted things up just before the half when Mister Clark intercepted Veltkamp in the end zone, stopping what could have been another FAU scoring drive.
The third quarter was when FIU took over. First, Keyone Jenkins broke free with a 4-yard rushing touchdown to open the half, then capped that drive with big runs including a 22-yard run before hunting in the passing game. Soon after, Jenkins found Alex Perry on a 26-yard touchdown pass that swung momentum firmly toward FIU. Anthony Carrie added the finishing touch later in the quarter with a 1-yard run to stretch the lead. On FAU’s side, their offense stalled, and FIU’s defense came up with several big stops including forcing a turnover on downs.
When everything ettled, FIU had outscored FAU 21-0 in the third quarter, and ended up beating fau 38-28 in the 2025 Shula Bowl.