The Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University athletics departments have inked a four-game series beginning in 2024. The FAU-FIU game was named the Shula Bowl before the first contest in 2002. The Owls will host the games in 2024 and 2026, while FIU will host in 2025 and 2027. Dates: FIU at Florida Atlantic, Sept. 14, 2024 Florida Atlantic at FIU, Sept. 13, 2025 FIU at Florida Atlantic, Sept. 19, 2026 Florida Atlantic at FIU, Sept. 18, 2027 “We are happy to be able to continue the history and tradition of the Shula Bowl through this series,” said FAU Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White. “The culture of sports and football in south Florida is important and the Shula Bowl game is a meaningful piece to that. Geographic proximity helps drive fan interest in college sports nationally and certainly here in south Florida. With all these factors combined, we believe this series is great for our student-athletes and our fans.” The Shula Bowl, named for the legendary Don Shula, originated when FAU’s inaugural coach, Howard Schnellenberger sought to name the first game played between what he hoped would be a bragging rights game between south Florida players. Schnellenberger, who served with Shula at several stops including as offensive coordinator for NFL’s only perfect season, called Shula and pitched the idea. The FAU Owls would square off against FIU, then under direction of inaugural head coach Don Strock, who was a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins coached by Shula. The two schools have faced off as FCS and as FBS members of the Sun Belt and Conference USA. The 2024 meeting will be the first with FAU and FIU affiliated with different conferences. FAU holds a 15-4 advantage in the series.
