Matchup: FAU (4-6, 3-4) vs UConn (8-3)
When: Saturday, November 22nd, 3:00 PM ET
Where: Flagler Credit Union Stadium
TV: ESPN+
Radio: FoxSports 640
Opening Line: FAU +7.5
All-time Meetings: Connecticut leads the series 2-0 with the most recent victory coming last year as the Huskies won 48-14.
The Owls season is clearer than ever before after the loss to Tulane: Two games, two must wins, then you are bowling. Well, it’s easier said than done with a UConn squad entering this contest as one of the hottest teams in the country. The Huskies want their second consecutive nine win season for the first time in program history, while Florida Atlantic looks to stay alive for a bowl berth.
Florida Atlantic
Offense
When a team gives up the ball four times in a game it will always be a tough one to win. So when the Owls came out of NOLA with an 11-point loss it was clear that even with sloppy play, FAU could stick around against the best completion in the conference.
That ‘clean’ play can start from quarterback Caden Veltkamp who had unlucky deflections go against him multiple times. Knowing those mistakes are not necessarily on him, it should keep the redshirt juniors’ confidence up moving into Saturday’s game against UConn.
Veltkamp’s season has led him to a completion percentage of 66%, but what about when his play needs to matter. Looking at his past two games, the WKU transfer has completion percentage of 69%, five touchdown passes, and three interceptions (all three came against Tulane). Veltkamp is playing with some extra juice regardless of the shoulder issues and seems to be peaking at the right time.
Hopefully, a unit that can peak alongside Veltkamp is the running back room. The duo of Gemari Sands and Kaden Shields-Dutton have averaged 109 yards per game on the ground since the most recent bye week.. Sands has started picking up more rushing attempts, but Shields-Dutton looks to be the better all-around option. Regardless, the two will need a near perfect day from themselves and the Florida Atlantic o-line if the Owls are to move the ball on the ground.
At this point of the season though, the running game has not shown massive signs of improvements and that is where the importance of quick routes by the receiving corp come into play.
WR Easton Messer is first in the American and second nationally in receptions has been the go to target and it is obvious that his impact on Saturday’s game will be a key factor in an Owls win or loss. The redshirt junior has 83 receptions on the season, 25 off from the program record set in 2023 by LaJohntay Wester.
The remainder of the wide receiver room will all play major roles with Jayshon Platt, Asaad Waseem, and Dom Henry being a great options against the Husky defense.
Except the offense to once again be pass heavy and it may be possible Veltkamp sets another Florida Atlantic passing attempts record for a single game.
Ones to Watch
Offensive Line
The Owls offensive line has looked decent coming out of the bye week. The front has allowed one sack per game and has given Veltkamp enough time to make the right read. While the group has been great in the passing game, they will need to find another gear against the mean Husky rush. UConn ranks fifth in the nation in sacks but are coming off their win over Air Force with zero added to the tally.
A battle in the trenches will be fun, but the Owls must take it home if they are to win on Saturday.
Defense
UConn is an odd team in that they run through three guys. Typically if one of those players is not playing 100% the Huskies struggle. This will be key for the FAU defense as they know to focus on three key guys for the Huskies.
Starting off, UConn’s Joe Fagnano is known for his arm, but can use his legs when needed. In Connecticut’s previous two games, he has had at least one rush for over ten-yards. This will make it important for the Florida Atlantic front to hold him inside the pocket.
However, if your secondary can lock down a top receiver that will always help the squad win the game.
Four Huskies have over 300 yards receiving but the difference between the second leading receiver to first is 777 yards.
Shutting down UConn’s Skyler Bell may be the biggest assignment for Coach Dewhurst’s defense. Bell is the nation’s leading receiver and has over 1100 yards via the passing game. The Owls’ secondary has shown they can play good coverage against top receivers, but can the group focus on multiple receivers when one requires a lot of attention?
Finally, RB Cam Edwards has over 1000 yards rushing and is the only Husky with over 160 yards rushing. Like the other two Huskies mentioned, shutting down Edwards could pay dividends later on in the game. But for now, FAU’s leading linebackers of Leon Hart and Tyler Stolsky need to help the Florida Atlantic defensive line as the Owls still struggle in rushing defense.
One to Watch
DB Damarius McGhee
In Florida Atlantic’s first seven games of the season, the Kansas transfer had nine tackles and two pass breakups. Now, over the Owls’ previous three games, the redshirt senior has 12 tackles a defensive touchdown, and two pass breakups.
When it comes to “stepping up” McGhee has done just that. Filling in for Owls’ injuries, leading a unit that has struggled, and taking on a team leader role, the DB has been a key player in FAU’s push for a bowl game. He should play another stellar game on Saturday, and regardless of the outcome, will be a top player for the Owls defense.
Stats Comparison
UConn
The Huskies have won seven of their last eight games and received a vote in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2010 and are one of only Group of Five schools to beat multiple P4 opponents. With a win over FAU, Connecticut would have the most wins over a span of two seasons in program history – 18.
So when head coach Jim Mora took to the podium and gave the Owls praise, it was clear he meant what he said. Especially after his turnaround of the UConn football program.
🗒️ What They Are Saying 🗒️ #UConn HC Jim Mora shared his respect for @ZKittley's #FAU squad, highlighted the duo of Veltkamp & Messer, & believes @FAUFootball is "something special" as his group prepares to play in Parad🌴se. pic.twitter.com/DfnJvB97LC
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 19, 2025
Offense
The UConn offense is built around one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, Joe Fagnano. The junior has thrown for 3,000 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 1 interception on a 68.7% completion rate while adding 3 rushing scores. Only one pick in 390 attempts all year: he simply does not beat himself.
On the ground, it all starts and ends with Cam Edwards. The workhorse back has carried 183 times for 1,031 yards and 12 touchdowns at 5.6 per carry; no other Husky has more than 159 rushing yards.
In the air, WR Skyler Bell is the leader and one of the more productive receivers in FBS – 93 receptions, 1,151 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He leads the nation in catches and is a nightmare on slants, posts, and contested balls. Supporting pieces Juice Vereen (22 receptions – 310 yards – 5 touchdowns), Reymello Murphy (29 receptions – 374 yards – 3 touchdowns), and big slot receiver John Neider (22 receptions – 356 yards -1 touchdown) give Fagnano four different looks. Bell will demand most of the coverage, but the Florida Atlantic defense cannot be caught sleeping on the other receivers.
Defense
The Husky defense is flat-out disruptive, ranking top-10 nationally with 35 sacks and forcing pressure frequently. They’ve terrorized offensive lines all season and with an Owls front that has had their issues at times, it could be an issue for the Owls if they are unable to contain UConn’s attack.
The attack starts with LB Bryun Parham – a Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist and New England Gold Helmet winner with 10.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL, 96 total tackles. Edge/DT Oumar Diomande chips in another 5 sacks and 8 TFL, while six different defenders have at least 2.5 sacks. Fresh bodies rotate and hunt.
In the secondary, CB Cam Chadwick has 4 picks and 3 PBU, and the entire unit has racked up 38 pass breakups and 10 total interceptions. Veltkamp will have his work cut out for him against one of the toughest defenses the Owls have faced.
Final Thoughts
This game is interesting as the biggest battle will be the FAU offense vs the Huskies defense. Like previous contests, Saturday’s match up will depend on how well the Owls’ can play their style of game. High flying offense, and short drives on defense.
Unlike any other time a coach has said it’s an “0-0 week,” this one is different for Florida Atlantic. The Owls have to look ahead and say “2-0” if they are to make a bowl game and Connecticut could be the toughest test left for FAU. Get past this one and the Owls setup a make or break senior day contest.
