It was all set up: Next week’s game at FAU would be the most meaningful Don Shula bowl in history with the winner grabbing the Conference USA East lead. All FIU had to do was defeat a woeful Old Dominion team that came into Riccardo Silva Stadium with just one conference victory to its credit.
The Panthers were on a three-game winning streak. They were undefeated at home. Not anymore, Old Dominion (4-6, 2-4) played like it was the team looking for the division lead in a stunning 37-30 upset victory Saturday night, reducing next week’s game in Boca Raton to one for pride.