By Luke Fletcher ｜ Atlanta, Georgia

The 24th edition of the Shula Bowl kicks off tonight at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida and will be streamed on ESPN+.

The 24th Shula Bowl is set to kick off tonight in Boca Raton, featuring two teams with 1–1 records, promising an exciting clash in this storied rivalry. The game starts at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Historically, Florida Atlantic has had the upper hand in this matchup, but FIU managed to snap FAU’s seven-game winning streak last season with a 38–28 victory. Both teams are coming into this game with the same record, and FIU’s win last year marked a significant moment as they reclaimed the Shula Bowl trophy. This time around, Florida Atlantic is approaching the game with a personal edge, eager to protect their home field, where FIU has only triumphed once, back in 2012.

Two quarterbacks playing at a high level

The upcoming quarterback duel is heating up as FIU’s JJ Kohl, fresh off an impressive performance against Buffalo where he threw for 367 yards and three touchdowns, prepares to take on FAU’s Caden Veltkamp. Veltkamp had a standout game against Navy, racking up 386 passing yards and five touchdowns, tying the FAU record for most touchdown passes in a single game. Both quarterbacks have been on fire this season, with Kohl averaging over 300 yards in his games and FIU boasting a solid average of 343.5 passing yards and 460.5 total yards per game, while their defense has kept opponents to just 258 yards. On the other side, FAU is also strong in the air, averaging 331 passing yards per game, setting the stage for an exciting clash where both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks to lead the charge.

Where FIU can win the game

FIU’s defense might just be the game-changer. In their first two outings, the Panthers have only given up 19.5 points per game, while FAU has struggled, allowing a whopping 48 points on average—though that figure is skewed by their heavy 66–21 defeat to Florida. What’s even more impressive is FIU’s ability to stop the run, giving up just 85 rushing yards per game. If the Panthers can force FAU into a one-dimensional offense and apply pressure without compromising their coverage, they could really throw Veltkamp off his game.

Where FAU has the advantage

The Owls are heading into this game with a dynamic passing game, highlighted by Veltkamp’s impressive performance against Navy, where he linked up with Easton Messer for 179 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Kelby Valsin contributed 115 yards and another score. Playing at home gives FAU an edge, especially since they’ve dominated this rivalry, winning seven out of the last eight matchups, even with FIU’s win last season. However, there’s a worry about FAU’s defense, which has been giving up a staggering 508.5 yards per game and 8.1 yards per play. While Florida was a big part of that, Navy also made a strong comeback from a 38–7 deficit to close the gap to 38–30. Keep an eye on Easton Messer, the standout wide receiver, who had a phenomenal game against Navy.

The key to the Shula Bowl

This game might hinge on which quarterback makes the first big blunder. FIU’s defense shows promise, indicating they could stay competitive, but FAU has been more dynamic and is playing at home in Boca Raton. Right now, FAU is favored by about 6.5 points, with the total set between 62 and 62.5, suggesting we can expect a fairly high-scoring matchup.

Prediction: FIU 34, Florida Atlantic 31

FAU’s trio of Veltkamp, Messer, and Valsin, combined with the advantage of playing at home, should provide the Owls with the explosive plays needed to reclaim the Shula Bowl trophy. Expect FIU to have a shot late in the game, putting pressure on FAU to make a crucial defensive stop. I believe FIU will keep it competitive throughout all four quarters. Kohl is likely to find openings against an FAU secondary that hasn’t been particularly strong, while FIU’s defense should be capable of containing Veltkamp’s big plays, ultimately setting the stage for a game-winning field goal.

Paws Up!