Sun Sep 15 12:45:43 UTC 2024: ## FAU Snaps Losing Streak with Shula Bowl Victory Over FIU

**BOCA RATON, FL** – The Florida Atlantic Owls finally broke their losing streak, defeating their in-state rivals, the Florida International Panthers, 38-20 in the Shula Bowl on Saturday. The victory, FAU’s first of the season, marked their seventh consecutive win in the rivalry and pushed their overall record to 17-4 against FIU.

The Owls’ offense, which had struggled in the first two weeks of the season, exploded in the Shula Bowl thanks to the performance of running back Zuberi Mobley. He rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns, including a 72-yard touchdown run that put FAU ahead 14-7 in the second quarter.

Quarterback Cam Fancher also contributed significantly, completing 14 of 26 passes for 161 yards and adding a touchdown run. The Owls’ defense, which had been criticized for giving up points early in the season, also stepped up, forcing five turnovers, including interceptions from Daedae Hill and Phillip Dunnam.

“We’re going to celebrate the hell out of this,” said FAU coach Tom Herman, whose team had not won a game since October 27, 2023. “It’s been almost a calendar year since we’ve won a game, and we won a rivalry game to boot.”

The Panthers, who entered the game with a 1-1 record, were unable to sustain their early momentum. Despite scoring a touchdown on the opening drive, FIU was held scoreless until the last eight seconds of the third quarter.

“We’ve been a ‘when things get bad, they get worse’ team,” said Herman. “And, we drew a line in the sand.”

The victory represents a significant turning point for the Owls, who are now looking to build on their momentum going forward.

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