FAU dominates Bethune-Cookman, 45-0.
BOCA RATON — Lane Kiffin can now add his name to the list of victorious coaches in Florida Atlantic football history.
After opening the season with two losses, Kiffin earned his first win when the Owls defeated Bethune-Cookman 45-0 Saturday at FAU Stadium. Quarterback Daniel Parr ran for two touchdowns and threw for another while running back Gregory Howell Jr., rushed for a career-high 175 yards.
The victory puts FAU right where it expected to be at this point in the season. They lost to heavily-favored Navy and Wisconsin in the first two games. The performance should provide momentum entering next week’s game at Buffalo, the final tune-up before entering Conference USA play.
It was the FAU’s first shutout since Nov. 25, 2006, a 31-0 victory against Florida International.
With the exception of running back Devin Singletary fumbling in the end zone on the opening drive, the Owls left little doubt about which was the more talented team. After the turnover, their defense held and the offense responded with a nine-play, 81-yard drive that was capped by Parr’s 9-yard touchdown run.
Kiffin then broke out the tricks by calling an onside kick. The ball was recovered by running back Al Turman, giving FAU possession. Nine plays later, Parr connected with tight end Harrison Bryant for a 5-yard touchdown pass that put the Owls ahead 14-0 with 3 minutes, 57 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The lead was pushed to three touchdowns when Parr had a 2-yard scoring run early in the second quarter. The Owls then increased the lead to 28-0 on Singletary’s 19-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Parr’s night ended shortly after, with him finishing 15 of 26 for 165 yards and one interception. Howell averaged 13.5 yards on 13 carries and scored a touchdown. It was the seventh 100-yard rushing game of his career.
Aside from getting in the win column, this also served as solace after enduring a tough week due to Hurricane Irma. After the loss at Wisconsin, the Owls had to extend their stay until Wednesday because the conditions in South Florida prevented them from returning.
They were forced to practice at the Wisconsin stadium while also dealing with the uncertainty of the safety of their families and homes. Battling the adverse situations proved well worth the wait once they received their first taste of victory under victory.
The defense held Bethune-Cookman to 117 totals yards, including just 25 in the second half. It also scored a touchdown when cornerback Chris Tooley returned a fumble 14 yards for a touchdown to end the scoring.
Linebacker Azeez AlShaair had his string of two straight games with double-digit tackles end but finished with five in limited playing time. Defensive end William Davis also recorded the Owls’ first sack of the season.
The game also marked the return of receiver Kamrin Solomon, who had been suspended for his role in an altercation at a nightclub involving former Owls receiver Kalib Woods. Woods is no longer with the team.
Solomon finished with four catches for 36 yards.