Panthers defense shines against Florida Atlantic in Shula Bowl win

Defensive back Richard Leonard had a 100-yard fumble return for a touchdown and an interception in the Panthers’ win over rival Florida Atlantic. Photo by Sam Lewis

By Joel Delgado ’12, MS ’17

For the next year, the Shula Bowl Trophy will take up residence once again at FIU.

A two-hour weather delay didn’t slow down the FIU football team one bit as they rolled over rival Florida Atlantic in a 38-10 victory in the 13th annual Shula Bowl on Oct. 2 at Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium.

The Panthers (3-3, 2-0 C-USA) held the Owls scoreless in the second half and forced four turnovers in the game, including a 100-yard fumble return for a touchdown by defensive back Richard Leonard. Leonard, who also had an interception in the end zone and four pass breakups, was named one of the game’s MVPs along with Florida Atlantic wide receiver Lucky Whitehead.

The defense has now forced 21 turnovers through six games this season, the most in the nation heading into this weekend’s college football matchups.

On offense, freshman running back Alex Gardner led the rushing attack with 100 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries

photo by snunez_1 on instagram

while fellow running back Anthon Samuel rushed for two touchdowns and 60 yards on 13 carries. Freshman quarterback Alex McGough continued to show strides as the Panthers’ new signal caller, completing 18 of 29 passes for 160 yards and rushing for 28.

The Panthers will hit the road next week for another Conference USA matchup in San Antonio, Texas, with the UTSA Roadrunners on Oct. 11 before returning home to take on the Marshall Thundering Herd on Oct. 18 in FIU’s homecoming game.

For more on the Shula Bowl victory over Florida Atlantic, visit FIUSports.com.