FAU Football Preps Halloween Morning, Hearns Nominated

There were no ghosts or goblins this Halloween at Florida Atlantic University's football practice, as the Owls (3-5, 1-3 Conference USA) continued preparation for Shula Bowl XVII and the FIU game, which is scheduled for Saturday on the road in Miami. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The spooky nature of the day could still be felt with the jugs machine spitting out a ball hitting a tight end in the head and an errant punt hitting a coach's head.

Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
Senior running back and special teams member Gerald Hearns was one of 69 individuals announced as a Burlsworth Trophy Nominee on Wednesday. The Burlsworth Trophy, in conjunction with the Springdale (Arkansas) Rotary Club, announces the players nominated from Division I (FBS) schools from across the country. In the award's ninth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER." which was released in 2016. The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (DI) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department.

Saturday - Where to Watch
The game will be produced by STADIUM with a live internet stream and local affiliates (Miami Dade/Broward – WSFL; Palm Beach – WTCH MyTV). Chris Hassel will provide the play-by-play, AJ Hawk will provide the game's analysis and Kristen Balboni will cover the sidelines. Watch HERE and contribute to the broadcast using the Instagram hashtag #FAUvsFIU for submitting pics and comments. The Owls lead the series at 11-4 and captured last season's contest 52-24; however the Panthers sit atop the C-USA Eastern Division standings with a 4-0 conference mark and an overall record of 6-2. The 11 wins the Owls have over the Panthers is the most against any FAU opponent all-time.

Where to Listen
For the local call by ESPN West Palm's Ken LaVicka and FAU alum Kris Bartels, fans can listen HERE to the game via ESPN West Palm 106.3, on the internet or on the ESPN App.

Important Links
Watch the Game
https://watchstadium.com/live/141139/
Game Notes
2018 Florida Atlantic Roster

Meet Sophomore Linebacker Akileis Leroy

This Week's Radio Show
Head Coach Lane Kiffin will join ESPN West Palm 106.3's Ken LaVicka from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday. The show originates from the Biergarten Boca Raton, 309 Via De Palmas #90, Boca Raton, Fla. 33432, and will air live on ESPN West Palm 106.3 and on the ESPN App.

Fox Sports Florida
For the third consecutive year, FAU's Frank Forte hosts the weekly show "Inside the Owls Burrow." The show is broadcasted on Fox Sports Sun, will first air at 4 p.m. Thursday, and be shown a second time at 9 a.m. Saturday on Fox Sports Florida. This week's show features Head Coach Lane Kiffin's recap of the Louisiana Tech game as well as a look into Saturday's Shula Bowl XVII versus FIU. Graduate student and center Junior Diaz will be the featured player this week's "Pads Off," plus fans will have an opportunity to find out what former Owl quarterback Jaquez Johnson is currently doing in "Where Are They Now." As an added bonus, Forte will discover why the Owls imitate riding a dirt bike following a big play.

To Purchase Football Game Tickets
For season tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS. All games will be carried by ESPN West Palm 106.3 and also can be heard on the ESPN app. Follow the team via social media @FAUAthletics.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Players Mentioned

Junior Diaz

Gerald Hearns

Akileis Leroy

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Football at Florida on September 5, 2026 at 7:45 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football versus Navy on September 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football versus FIU on September 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football at ULM on September 26, 2026 at TBA

Upcoming Event: Football versus Texas Southern on October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Football at Army on October 17, 2026 at 12 p.m.

Florida Atlantic University Athletics