BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic bounced again from its season-opening loss to realize its first win in opposition to Navy.
After permitting probably the most factors in its historical past every week in the past, the Owls rode Caden Veltkamp’s 5 landing passes and held off a fierce Midshipmen comeback to narrowly survive for a 38-30 win on Saturday night time.
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FAU (1-1, 1-0) was firing on all cylinders from the beginning in opposition to Navy (1-1, 0-1) within the American Convention opener for each. On the second play of the sport, Veltkamp dropped again and threw a 76-yard landing to Easton Messer. Veltkamp handed for 373 yards, 179 to Messer for a profession excessive.
“Easton Messer … simply ran proper previous them. Then what a ball (from Veltkamp),” FAU coach Zach Kittley mentioned.
The Owls excelled on particular groups, too. Kicker Collin Rogers broke a college document proper earlier than halftime, nailing a 60-yard discipline purpose.
“Nobody expects you to make it, so that you go on the market and drill it and go from there.” Rogers mentioned.
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Listed here are 4 takeaways from FAU’s victory over Navy.
FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp, scrambling away from a Navy defender, threw 5 landing passes within the Owls’ victory Saturday in Boca Raton.
Veltkamp’s 5 TD passes tied for his most as an Owl and his 373 passing yards had been his most since Nov. 22 in opposition to Connecticut.
4 completely different receivers caught landing passes, together with the primary as an Owl for tight finish A.J. Johnson.
Veltkamp confirmed poise and did not flip over the ball, a change from final season when he led the nation in interceptions. He additionally had two in final week’s 66-21 loss to Florida.
“That is how it’s a must to play as a quarterback and concentrate on the little particulars, higher play,” Veltkamp mentioned. “Simply ensuring that it is as excellent as it may be. I attempt to intention for perfection, it is actually that straightforward.”
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Kittley spoke about Veltkamp’s improved play.
“He was annoyed with the week earlier than, with the turnovers,” Kittley mentioned. This week, man, this was unimaginable. You are speaking 27-for-32. He had a fantastic week in follow too. He protected the ball in follow.”
Easton Messer, Kelby Valsin two-headed monster at WR
FAU’s A.J. Johnson celebrates his landing catch in opposition to Navy with fellow tight finish Marcus Vinson Saturday night time in Boca Raton.
Easton Messer was electrical Saturday night time, posting eight catches for 179 yards and two TDs.
That was not it for the Owls, nevertheless, as Texas Tech switch receiver Kelby Valsin caught eight passes for 115 yards and one rating. Valsin caught six passes in his two years with the Crimson Raiders; in two video games with FAU, he has 18 catches and two touchdowns.
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Valsin has steadily grow to be one of the essential transfers on the Owls’ roster, and Messer remains to be taking part in a few of the finest soccer of his collegiate profession.
“The truth that now we have Kelby, Dom (Henry), AJ, a very good run sport this 12 months, and a stud at quarterback, there must be no means anyone can cease this offense,” Messer mentioned.
Large enchancment defensively for Owls
The Owls’ protection considerably improved after giving up 66 factors and 9 touchdowns in opposition to UF.
Till the fourth quarter, the Owls had solely allowed one landing. Dealing with a Navy speeding assault that had over 500 yards and 6 touchdowns in its opener, the Owls held the guests to below 250 yards speeding and two speeding touchdowns.
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“I simply really feel like all through the week, we had been much more bodily. Final week was like a wake-up name.” defensive finish Josh Roberts mentioned. “We wanted it to humble us. We went out and did our factor as we speak.”
The Owls held Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson to 47 passing yards and an interception earlier than Woodson went down with harm to ship backup QB Jackson Gutierrez into the sport.
The Owls additionally pressured turnovers; linebacker Nate Fischer pressured a fumble and security Bo Simpson-Nealy got here up together with his first Owls’ interception.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Owls had been main 38-7. However they then allowed three touchdowns and a security, permitting Navy to chop the deficit to eight factors. Within the fourth quarter, FAU was outgained 117-27 and outscored 16-0. The Owls allowed 81 speeding yards and didn’t document a single passing yard.
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FAU operating again Ethan Ervin ran for a primary down with below a minute left to clinch the win. Ervin led the workforce in speeding with 17 carries for 67 yards.
Kittley tried to relaxation his starters, however a fumbled punt and Navy’s rally pressured Veltkamp and others again onto the sector.
It was FAU’s first win over Navy in 4 tries.
“Not how I wished to complete that sport, however on the finish of the day, we acquired to have a good time,” Kittley mentioned. “We have by no means overwhelmed them in class historical past till tonight.”
This text initially appeared on Palm Seaside Publish: Navy-FAU takeaways | Caden Veltkamp tosses 5 landing passes in win