In a high‑scoring Saturday night showdown, the University of Tulsa Owls defeated the Florida Atlantic Owls 38‑21, earning bowl eligibility and extending their recent winning streak. The game, originally set for an early kickoff, was delayed nearly four hours after a nationwide ground stop grounded FAU’s flight from Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International Airport.
Key performances propel Tulsa to victory
Quarterback Baylor Haynes led the offensive charge, completing passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns. He connected early with wide receiver Jimmy Calloway for a 5‑yard score with 1:47 left in the first quarter, and again for a 9‑yard touchdown early in the second quarter, giving Tulsa a 14‑0 lead.
Running back Trequan Jones added a spectacular 78‑yard rushing touchdown, widening the margin before halftime. Jones finished with two rushing scores, cementing his impact on the ground game.
Wide receiver Javon Ross contributed 163 receiving yards on six catches, while Damari Alston rushed for 92 yards on 11 carries and added a touchdown. The balanced attack helped Tulsa average nearly 43 points over its last four games.
FAU’s effort falls short
Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, completing 32 of 58 attempts. He found Easton Messer for a 7‑yard touchdown early in the second quarter, briefly narrowing the gap. However, a 6‑yard touchdown run by Brady Tillman III was the Owls’ only response before halftime, and the Owls never closed the distance after that.
FAU’s offense showed flashes but could not sustain momentum against Tulsa’s aggressive defense and efficient scoring drives.
What’s next for the Owls?
With the win, Tulsa improves to 6‑4 overall and 3‑3 in the American Athletic Conference, positioning the program for a postseason bowl invitation. The Owls will host Charlotte on Saturday, looking to build on their offensive rhythm.
Florida Atlantic, also 6‑4, will travel to host South Florida on Saturday, hoping to rebound from the loss.
Local impact
The victory energizes Tulsa’s fan base and underscores the program’s growing competitiveness within the conference. Local businesses near the stadium reported increased activity on game night, reflecting the community’s support for the Owls.
WPBF’s Allen Cone contributed to this report.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
