FAU will try to keep an unusual run going Saturday night in Boca when it hosts Texas Southern University, a matchup that comes with very different recent storylines for the two programs. The Owls are 3-1 and 2-0 in the American Conference, and they have won three straight games for the first time in over five years. Texas Southern, meanwhile, enters at 1-4 and 0-2 in the SWAC, still looking to recover from a three-game losing streak.
For FAU, the timing matters. The Owls are three wins away from bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020, so every game now carries added weight. For Texas Southern, Saturday night is about slowing the slide and turning a few encouraging stretches into a complete performance.
FAU trying to build on rare momentum
FAU head coach Zach Kittley said the game would not be simple, calling it a challenge just like every week. He also said he was excited to have Texas Southern come out to Boca for a great game Saturday night. That kind of standard has been part of FAU’s recent rise, as the Owls have found enough consistency to stack wins in a way they had not done in more than five years.
Quarterback Caden Veltkamp has been a big part of that progress. Last week against the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns, helping FAU keep its momentum going. That performance followed a stretch in which the offense has been productive enough to support the team’s climb in the standings.
Texas Southern looking for answers after a close loss
Texas Southern is coming off a narrow 43-40 overtime loss to Alcorn State University, a result that showed both how close the Tigers can be and how much remains to be cleaned up. Quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy had a strong individual outing in that game, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns while also running for over 80 yards and another two touchdowns.
Even with that production, Texas Southern is still searching for a complete finish. D’Myrian Allen-Mays said the team has shown good highlights, good plays and good stretches, but emphasized that the 1-3 record and inability to finish games are what matter most. He added that now that the season is in the middle stage, the team is going to find out whether it is capable of having a good year.
What to watch in Boca
The matchup brings together an FAU team with growing confidence and a Texas Southern team trying to reset after a frustrating start. FAU’s strong start in conference play and its unusual winning streak give the Owls a clear opportunity to keep building, while Texas Southern needs a cleaner all-around performance after showing offensive life against Alcorn State.
One more key name to watch is Athean Renfro Jr., who was described by Allen-Mays as 5'9, 225 and a player who does not shy away from contact and embraces the gritty side of the game. In a game where both teams have clear motives, that kind of physical edge could matter.
Saturday night in Boca gives FAU a chance to extend a streak it has not enjoyed in years. For Texas Southern, it is a chance to interrupt a losing run and prove last week’s effort can lead to a better result.
