FOOTBALL

Alfred Morris rushed for 158 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Owls grabbed their seventh Shula Bowl trophy with a 28-21 victory over rival Florida International University at FIU Stadium in Miami.

“Everybody that was here was thrilled,” said FAU Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger. “I was thrilled, and the team was thrilled. I have to be proud of both sides of the ball and the kicking game.”

Morris was the star of game for the Owls (5-7), scoring on a 9-yard pass in the second quarter and adding two rushing touchdowns in the final 10 minutes of regulation. With his rushing performance, Morris became this season’s leading rusher in the Sun Belt Conference with 1,392 yards.

“I really wasn’t thinking about it,” Morris said. “I just wanted to win. I was really running hard for the seniors. I wanted to send them out on a good note.”

FAU quarterback Jeff Van Camp went 15-27 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Van Camp, who took over for Rusty Smith due to an injury, ended the season with 1,372 yards and 12 touchdowns.

FIU quarterback Paul McCall, who played with a brace on his throwing arm through the duration of the game, went 20-32 for 240 yards and one touchdown.

The Golden Panthers (3-9) also scored two touchdowns courtesy of running back Daunte Owens, who had 21 carries for 86 yards. Both scores came on 4-yard sprints.

FIU had some defensive success, sacking Van Camp four times. Kicker Ross Gornall also had a 50-yard field goal attempt blocked by defensive end Tourek Williams in the second quarter.

McCall threw a late 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wayne Times to bring the score to 28-21, but the Golden Panthers could not recover the ensuing onside kick despite having three attempts at it due to penalties.

FAU’s victory over rival FIU was the fourth consecutive.

FAU senior linebacker Edward Bradwell said, “I know those boys on the other sidelines are crushed, but somebody has to win, and somebody has to lose.”