Don Shula Bowl XVI is the first time that both FIU and Florida Atlantic have something to play for besides spoiler to the other. In some of the first 15 Shula Bowls either the Panthers or the Owls came into the game enjoying a good season looking toward a bowl game. Meanwhile, the other team, whether it was the Panthers or the Owls, played the Shula Bowl like it was their bowl game that season – in other words playing for bragging rights and the Shula Trophy.
In this year's Shula Bowl both FIU and FAU come in having a shot at the Conference USA championship. The Owls control their own destiny: beat FIU and host the C-USA championship in two weeks against North Texas. The Panthers have a trickier road. FIU has to beat FAU and the following week beat WKU and the Owls have to lose at Charlotte next week. If those games break FIU's way then the Panthers travel to Denton, Texas to play North Texas for the C-USA title on Dec. 2.
But first things first. FAU leads the Shula Bowl series 10-5 against FIU. However, the Panthers have won four of the last six Shula Bowls.
This year FAU has one of the most prolific offenses in C-USA and an opportunistic defense that leads the league with 18 interceptions.
For more on the Owls, here is long-time FAU radio voice Ken LaVicka to answer "5 Questions on FAU". You can follow Ken on Twitter: @KLV1063 for all FAU things.
1. What was expected of the Owls this season and how surprised are you about the season FAU is having?
KL: Honestly, looking competent offensively, achieving stopping the run occasionally and holding a fourth quarter lead or two was the realistic expectation for FAU this season. As far as being surprised it's not all that surprising that they're bowl eligible. They've had one of the deepest rosters in the league for several seasons now, but am I surprised they're on the cusp of a C-USA title game appearance? Yes, but more so because of how dominant it's been. Best in C-USA in offense, best in forcing turnovers, best in margin of victory. FAU has overwhelmingly been the best team in the league. That's been surprising.
2. How much of the offense revolves around Devin Singletary? I notice the FAU quarterbacks have a combined 10 TDs. Who are the other FAU offensive players to keep an eye on?
KL: A lot of the offense revolves around Singletary. He gets a bulk of the touches and is the best player in Conference USA. He's a star and Kiffin treats him like it. He's the stud. Kiffin wants the ball in his hands. That said, against LA Tech, Singletary had his least amount of output in seven games (104 yards, 3 TDs) and it was Jason Driskel who stepped up. He ran the offense exceptionally, had a third TD pass of the day dropped in the end zone and was really in control for the first time this season. You'll want to keep an eye on WRs Kammrin Solomon and Kalib Woods, the two top receivers from last year who were suspended to start the season. They are Kiffin favorites, as is true freshman burner Willie Wright, who has two TD receptions of 60+ yards this season. Also, pay attention to FAU's offensive line. The Owls lead the nation in tempo (a play every 19 seconds) and a big reason is that the offensive line is urgent to the ball after every snap.
3. What does the FAU defense do best and who are some of their top players?
KL: The defense picks off opposing quarterbacks. The Owls are top 5 in the nation in interceptions and failed to intercept a ball on Saturday for the first time since Week 4. Sophomore DBs Chris Tooley and Shelton Lewis have been exceptional this season, as has safety Jalen Young, who before last week was second in the country in INTs, including three vs. Marshall. The linebackers are anchored by captain Azeez Al-Shaair, who Kiffin believes is NFL-bound. Along the defensive front Pitt transfer Jeremiah Telani has been a monster and has acclimated to his new school without any issue. Junior Hunter Snyder leads the disruptive pass rush.
4. How are the Owls special teams this season and who should fans keep an eye on there?
KL: Florida Atlantic has a Lou Groza semi-finalist in Greg Joseph, who missed his first non-blocked FG of the year last week vs. LA Tech. He set the program record with a 55-yard FG earlier this season and has range from 60+. Junior Kerrith Whyte ripped off FAU's first kickoff return TD in program history last week, a 98-yarder. As for the coverage units, FAU has C-USA's best kickoff coverage unit largely because Greg Joseph is Top 10 in the nation in touchbacks. He's had a lot of kickoffs this year. Last Chance U star Tim Bonner, a Louisville transfer, has been a monster on kickoff coverage and really makes that unit go.
5. Your thoughts on Saturday's Don Shula Bowl XVI?
KL: A championship has never been on the line during a Shula Bowl, nor have both teams been bowl-eligible for one of these games. It's going to be a big crowd with a lot of national interest. I have a feeling this will be, to this point, the most memorable Shula Bowl ever played. Move over, 2008.
