The final week of the 2025 season has arrived for Florida Atlantic Football, but Bowl hopes unfortunately perished with last Saturday’s spirited loss to UConn.
The Owls played with grit – probably the most they have shown all season – battling back from a 24-3 deficit to take the lead and were looking for the upset.
But the Huskies answered the call Jim Mora issued and went ahead again with under a minute to play. A would be field goal to force overtime went wide left for FAU, and with that post season dreams as well.
Now they will turn attention towards East Carolina, who is coming off a disappointing loss to 58-24 road loss to UTSA.
The Pirates had the Owls’ number last season in Greenville, but another nail biter could be instore to close out 2025. And if last weekend’s performance against the Huskies was any indicator of the offenses progression, it may also be another shootout.
Also going on the background this week is a push to fill out the 2026 class and some transfer additions for next season’s roster. Coach Kittley had a few thoughts to offer on how things are progressing along those lines.
In the words of POD: "Boom, here comes to boom...ready or not, here come the boys from the south!" In the words of #FAU Coach @ZKittley : "I'm hoping you're going to see some more booms in the next couple of days." Coach talks the 2026 class and what he's looking for 🦉👌 pic.twitter.com/fhSCjlRr4u
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 25, 2025
With Coach Kittley taking the table in the Flagler Stadium Media Room one last time for his 2025 Tuesday press conferences here is a select compilation of what else he spoke about.
Key Players for Positivity Sake
“I think for us on offense, you know, it clearly starts with the right side of our offensive line right now, with Alex Atcavage and Scarlee. They are just two positive guys that love football and do it our way. And you talk about the leadership qualities and some of that stuff they have that clearly, as far as seniors go for us.”
“Defensively, you have Wendell and Bryce, two team captains for us on the defensive side of the ball that have been awesome for us as well there…we’re not a super old team, we really don’t have a ton of seniors walking on Saturday, but that core guy is kind of just a few that I just mentioned have been awesome for us and help build this foundation of what I’m trying to build here and where this football program is heading in the future.”
How Do You Establish Your Starters
“You’ve got to play your best players…you’re probably thinking about primarily talking about special teams there. Special teams are massive, and we’ve made huge strides this year in special teams. That’s because we have our best players, starters on both sides of offense and defense, playing special teams for us. You see what Jayshon Platt is doing as far as receiver goes. He’s also doing a great job in the kick return. Now you’re seeing what Easton Messer is doing, running the football, throwing the football, catching the football, and kick returns.. So again, you want to get your best guys on the field.”
Thoughts on East Carolina
“They are the number one defense in our league right now, as far as points per game goes. They are doing just a tremendous job defensively. Coach Harrell was the defensive coordinator there last year, got the interim job, strung off all those great wins, and he got the full time game there, He’s been fantastic. I have a ton of respect for him a nd what he does defensively. They mix it up a lot on defense, and I think that’s what’s been really good for them. Just the multiplicity that they play with.”
Attacking the Pirates Defense
“It can really stress you out on the offensive side of the ball if you don’t know where they’re at and where they’re going to end up – kind of like we saw last week with UConn. So we’ve just got to make sure that we get the ball out quick and we are not back there patting the ball, and that we’re able to run the football a little bit on them.”
East Carolina Special Teams
“Special teams wise it is kind of funny. I’m pretty sure Coach Harrell kind of took over those special teams a little bit too, they have got his fingerprint. They do a really, really good job there. They’re aggressive. They faked the field goal earlier this year that ran for in for a touchdown…and they faked a couple punts this year. So they’re aggressive on special teams. We have got to be prepared there.”
The Pirates Offensive Attack
“You’re actually going to see a lot of similarities to our offense. Now, they won’t play as fast as we play with all the tempo as we do, but you will see a lot of similar formations and run schemes and vertical pass game and white cross and throwing the screens out there getting involved. Quarterbacks hand offs for some tempo run game and stuff like that. So, there are a lot of similarities there.”
What are the Keys to an Owls Win
“Biggest keys to victory for us is defensively we’ve got to tackle better. We have to get the ball down. And when we have those guys one on one we have got to tackle them. And I think that’s where UTSA this past week did a fantastic job in the open field of getting the ball carrier down. That has got to be there. Clearly got to take the ball on defense too, and limit those explosives.”
Who Are Your Offensive and Defensive MVP’s on the Season So far
“Offensively, Easton Messer or Caden Veltkamp, one and two. Defensively Leon Hart, and CJ Doggett. Probably one of those two guys off the top.
How Far a long Do You Think We Are on Plan
“I feel like, of all the guys I’ve talked to that are giving me their word that they’re coming back to play football here next year, I feel like we’re ahead. Because I think you’re going to look up and you’re going to have a ton of key contributors on this year’s football team come back next year, and I think that’s the biggest thing that we’re looking for. So I’d say we’re ahead.”
“Now, again, I’m not naive in this world of college football we’re living in. Things can change quickly. But again, I feel really good about it. I feel like we’ve got great dudes in this locker room that again, all I’ve ever asked for them – and I’ve been the same to them – just honesty and be up for on me. And again, I have got to trust their word on the things that they say. And if we end up where I think we’re going to end up, look out next year. I feel really, really good about it.”
For now Coach Kittley and his Owls will look to finish off 2025 on a winning note and with momentum. FAU and East Carolina will kick-off at high noon on Saturday with senior day festivities kicking off the action. Be sure to follow along with us for complete in game coverage.