By David Volz
The Florida Atlantic University football team recorded some impressive individual performances during the Owls’ 51-49 victory over Rice at the Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton.
Fifth-year wide receiver Easton Messer led with Owls scoring effort with five touchdowns, tying a single-game record.
Messer led one of the greatest games by a Florida Atlantic player in program history, with 262 all-purpose yards, and accomplished a feat rarely seen in college football: a rushing, twice, receiving twice and punt return touchdown all occurring in the same game. Messer is the only FBS player in the last 20 seasons with two rush touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, and a punt return touchdown in the same game.
Head Coach Zach Kittley said he was pleased with his team and the win. “Overall, we did a great job today. We do need to work on improving our defense and we will have to be more disciplined, and we will work on that,” he said.
Kittley said that team is a strong and cohesive group of players. “We are a family a brotherhood and the team members support each other and love each other. I believe in this team,” he said.
Gael Ochoa scored two early rushing touchdowns for Rice and the Owls struggled in the first quarter. Then a fumbled backwards pass from Rice was recovered by senior defensive back Ahlston Ware, setting up FAU’s opening score. Graduate quarterback Caden Veltcamp threw a 30 yard pass to sophomore wide received Branden Hoch for his first collegiate touchdown.
Florida Atlantic’s first safety since Sept. 9, 2015 resulted from a blocked punt by senior defensive back Derrick Rogers reducing the deficit to 14-9 early in the second quarter. The lead was then captured on the next offensive possession with Messer taking a toss from the backfield into the end zone for a 2-yard rushing score.
Messer’s second touchdown of the quarter came via a reception to grow the lead to 23-14. Rice responded with a long run for a score, but the 23-21 Florida Atlantic advantage carried into halftime.
Messer was responsible for 30 points from scrimmage, tied with Devin Singletary for the most in a single game in program history. He is the first Florida Atlantic wideout to rush for two touchdowns in a game and the first to tally multiple scores on the ground and as a receiver. He concluded the day with 168 receiving yards on 12 receptions. Veltkamp completed 15 of his first 17 passing attempts and finished with a line of 29-for-37 for 339 yards and three passing touchdowns, with an additional score on the ground. He surpasses Chris Robison for sole possession of second place in the most 300+ yard passing games in program history, now at nine across two seasons. Senior Leonard Farrow carried the ball 17 times for a season-high 86 yards.
Kittley said the FAU team is doing well but now everyone must prepare for the game at North Texas on October 29. He said the team is very good and has many talented players the FAU players must work hard to prepare for a tough opponent.
