FAU Football Shuts Out Bethune-Cookman 45-0 for First Win

By: Michael Demyan

Photo Credit: FAU Athletics

The Florida Atlantic University Owls captured their first win of the season Saturday night by a score of 45-0 at home against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

The shutout was the first for the Owls in almost 11 years as they rushed for a school record of 439 yards, just two weeks after the Navy’s rushing game overpowered the Owl defense.

“I really challenged our guys that at the end of the game, I wanted to be able to say that we finally played really physical in all phases of the game,” head coach Lane Kiffin said.

The game started with a strong offensive drive from the Owls as they moved up 81 yards within their first six plays. Just when it looked like they had a chance of scoring however, the Owls fumbled the ball in the end zone, which was recovered by the Wildcats.

FAU was able to shake off the mistake and make another strong push during their second drive thanks to Daniel Parr and Gregory Howell Jr., which resulted in the first touchdown of the game. The two combined for 78 rushing yards before Parr added another nine when he brought the ball in for a touchdown.

After Greg Joseph successfully made the extra point, he followed up with an onside kick, which the Owls’ Ray Wilson Jr. recovered. The Owls moved forward with every play in the drive, including Parr completing all five passes. The final pass was caught by Harrison Bryant, who brought it in for his first career touchdown.

Photo Credit: FAU Athletics

Bethune-Cookman couldn’t grab a first down during their first possession in the second quarter and surrendered the ball to the Owls, who were able to get another touchdown in 13 plays. After the extra point, they led 21-0.

The offense for both sides were quiet through the rest of the half, but the Owls kicked it back into high gear in the third quarter, sandwiching a Joseph field goal between two more touchdowns. By the end of the third, the lead was extended to 38-0.

A fumble recovered by Chris Tooley resulted in their final touchdown in the fourth quarter and the Owls went on to win 45-0.

Kiffin, who recorded his first victory as a head coach since 2013, was very pleased with the Owls’ performance during the game.

“At the end of the day, to come away with 439 yards rushing to 61, I commend the players and coaches for that,” he said. “Most rushing yards in the history of the school, and first shutout in 10 years, very pleased with that. I’m proud of our guys getting their first win, and it was good to see the guys have fun.”

Howell and Devin Singletary led the Owls with 175 and 109 rushing yards, respectively. DeAndre McNeal led the team in receiving yards with 70. Parr completed 15 of 26 passes for a total of 165 yards.

FAU (1-2) will now travel to Buffalo for a Saturday night game against the Bulls (1-2) on Sep. 23.