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.
On its next drive, the Panthers had a 13-play, 58-yard drive resulting in a touchdown. This was the best the running looked in what was otherwise a non-existent rush presence throughout the game. Anthony Carrie ran for 11 yards, Kohl ran for a 10-yard first down, and Devonte Lyons had a 13-yard rush.
The drive was going well, but penalties became a factor for the Panthers. FIU got hit with two holding calls and a false start penalty. Also, they had to recover their own fumble. Despite the sloppy sequences, Kohl rushed it in, making it a 10-7 game into the half.
FIU punted on both of their third-quarter drives while the Owls kicked a pair of field goals, leading 16-7 heading into the fourth quarter. The Panthers started off strong and were poised to score. Kohl had a 22-yard completion to Maguire Anderson. However, after a few incompletions, Czeremcha was called upon to kick a field goal, which was good. It was 17-10 FAU.
With ten minutes left, FIU got the ball and started off firing on all cylinders. They were gifted a 15-yard gain following a FAU pass interference call. Then, Kohl threw a short pass through the middle to Anderson for 41 yards. Deep in FAU territory, the Panthers couldn’t move up the chains with no clear running game.
On 4th & 4 at the nine-yard line, the Panthers went for it, but Kohl threw an incomplete pass. After the Owls went three-and-out, FIU got the ball back with four minutes left. Kohl got sacked on fourth down for a turnover.
Afterwards, FAU once again went three-and-out, punting the ball. Despite being at their own one-yard line, FIU marched down to the FAU 17. Kohl had one last chance to win the game, but the pass to Anderson was incomplete and out of bounds. “Right now, we’re not doing enough on offense to give ourselves a chance,” said Simmons.
Final Stats
The Panthers had three tackles in the game with Elisha Baldridge, Kenton Simmons, and DeeJay Holmes Jr. each having one. DeAndre Boykins led the unit with eight tackles, while Ryan Gadson had six. FIU totaled five pass breakups.
Anderson posted a new career-high for the second straight week with 139 receiving yards along with eight receptions. Tyson Carter caught four passes for 35 yards. Carrie had 44 rushing yards with 19 attempts. Kohl finished with 22 completions and 262 passing yards. After the game, it was revealed that he received chest x-rays at halftime and played hurt in the second half.
“The downside of playing quarterback is that the stats are going to say three interceptions,” said Simmons. “I’ll look at the film and see that every interception wasn’t on him.”
For the third straight game, FIU won the yardage battle, 357-258, but couldn’t overcome those three early turnovers. The Panthers also dominated the clock, with over 33 minutes of time of possession. FAU moves to 2-1 this season and 18-5 all-time in the series, while FIU drops to 1-2.
Heartbreaking 16-10 loss for #FIU. They were this close to winning the game. The Panthers had chances to score towards the end but couldn’t capitalize. pic.twitter.com/rwHmlYCGmy
He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.
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