BOCA RATON -- Florida Atlantic opened up a close game with FIU late in the third quarter of Don Shula Bowl XVI to defeat the Panthers 52-24 on Saturday night at FAU Stadium.
With the win the Owls reclaimed the Don Shula Award for the next year and also clinched a berth in the Conference USA Championship by winning the East Division. FAU will host North Texas on Dec. 2 for the C-USA title.
The Owls (8-3, 7-0 C-USA) started fast racing to a 14-0 lead but the Panthers (6-4, 4-3 C-USA) battled back in the second quarter.