Miami-FAU took control of the fifth annual Shula Bowl early when quarterback Rusty Smith connected on a 13 yard touchdown pass with wide receiver Frantz Simeon with 9:15 left in the first quarter of Saturday night rivalry game with the Florida International University Golden Panthers.

The score made it 7-0 in favor of FAU, and the Owls never looked back. In the second quarter FAU scored twice, on a one yard touchdown pass from Smith to fullback Aaron Sanchez, and a one yard touchdown run by tailback Charles Pierre. The two scores put the Owls up 21-0 at halftime. FAU added a 26 yard field goal by kicker Warley LeRoy to make the score 24-0.

Pierre now has five touchdowns this season and eight career touchdowns as an Owl. He’s rushed for over 1,200 yards in his two year career. FAU dominated on offense as Smith only had five incomplete passes on his way to 162 yards passing and two touchdowns.

The Shula Bowl is named after legendary NFL Head Coach Don Shula. FAU Head Football Coach Howard Schnellenberger was the offensive coordinator for the 1972 Miami Dolphins undefeated team. The game is played in even number years at Dolphins Stadium as part of a contract agreement with FAU and Dolphins Stadium.

FAU added a late touchdown by B.J. Manley to make the score 31-0.

? FAU leads the all-time series with FIU (4-1)

? The shutout is FAU’s second of the season.

? The Owls finished with a winning record in the Sun-Belt Conference (4-3).

? Charles Pierre is third all time for FAU touchdowns with eight in his two year career.