MIAMI — FIU football's Kejon Owens and Shamir Sterlin were tabbed by Conference USA (CUSA) as Players of the Week for their performances in FIU's Shula Bowl victory, as announced on Monday afternoon.

Owens, a redshirt senior running back from Miami, was named the CUSA Offensive Player of the Week while Sterlin, a redshirt freshman safety from Port St. Lucie, Fla., earned Freshman of the Week. This marks the first time in FIU's CUSA era (since 2013) that the Panthers have earned multiple Players of the Week.

Owens delivered his best outing as a Panther in FIU's 38-28 victory over rival-Florida Atlantic on Saturday night. The senior running back rushed for a career-high 173 yards on 19 carries and had two touchdowns on the ground. He also added three catches for 19 yards for a total of 192 all-purpose yards. 

Owens' big-play prowess was on display as he had rushes of 47 yards, 21 yards and 20 yards, all of which came in FIU's dominant second half when the Panthers outscored the Owls 21-7. The 47-yard rush was the longest play from scrimmage this season for the FIU offense. Owens' 173 rushing yards and 192 all-purpose yards are the most for any Panther player since D'Vonte Price rushed for 178 yards on Nov. 13, 2020 against Florida Atlantic. 

Sterlin continues to shine as the starting safety for a strong FIU defensive unit. The Treasure Coast prep collected a career-high and team-high seven tackles, including one tackle for loss, in the Shula Bowl victory, FIU's first since 2016. Sterlin set the tone in the contest with an interception on third down on Florida Atlantic's first offensive possession. He also helped to anchor a defensive unit which surrendered zero points in the second half. 

For Owens, this is the second CUSA Offensive Player of the Week award of his career. He was previously tabbed with the same honor on Sept. 9, 2023 following a 100-yard and three touchdown performance against North Texas. For Sterlin, this is his first-ever Freshman of the Week honor and the first-ever for FIU. 

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