The Don Shula Trophy will stay in Boca Raton as Florida Atlantic defeated Florida International 52-24 on Saturday night at Schnellenberger Field.
The win clinched a Conference USA Championship berth for FAU - their first - and also gives them the home field advantage against North Texas (8-3, 6-1 C-USA) for the contest to be held on December 2nd.
The Owls (8-3, 7-0) jumped out to a 14-0 lead while they amassed 200 yards in the first quarter, which was aided by a 71 yard touchdown sacamper by Devin Singletary (164 YD, 2TD).
However things became somewhat flat offensively in the second, as the Panthers clawed back to within four points.