BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic bounced back from its season-opening loss to gain its first win against Navy.
After allowing the most points in its history a week ago, the Owls rode Caden Veltkamp's five touchdown passes and held off a fierce Midshipmen comeback to narrowly survive for a 38-30 win on Saturday night.
FAU (1-1, 1-0)was firing on all cylinders from the start against Navy (1-1, 0-1) in the American Conference opener for both. On the second play of the game, Veltkamp dropped back and threw a 76-yard touchdown to Easton Messer. Veltkamp passed for 373 yards, 179 to Messer for a career high.
“Easton Messer ... just ran right past them. Then what a ball (from Veltkamp)," FAU coach Zach Kittley said.
The Owls excelled on special teams, too.
Kicker Collin Rogers broke a school record right before halftime, nailing a 60-yard field goal.
“No one expects you to make it, so you go out there and drill it and go from there.” Rogers said.
Here are four takeaways from FAU’s victory over Navy.
Caden Veltkamp was incredibly sharp vs. Navy
Veltkamp's five TD passes tied for his most as an Owl and his 373 passing yards were his most since Nov. 22 against Connecticut.
Four different receivers caught touchdown passes, including the first as an Owl for tight end A.J. Johnson.
Veltkamp showed poise and didn’t turn over the ball, a change from last season when he led the nation in interceptions. He also had two in last week's 66-21 loss to Florida.
“That’s how you have to play as a quarterback and focus on the little details, better play,” Veltkamp said. “Just making sure that it's as perfect as it can be. I try to aim for perfection, it’s really that simple.”
Kittley spoke about Veltkamp’s improved play.
“He was frustrated with the week before, with the turnovers,” Kittley said. This week, man, this was incredible. You’re talking 27-for-32. He had a great week in practice too. He protected the ball in practice.”
Easton Messer, Kelby Valsin two-headed monster at WR
Easton Messer was electric Saturday night, posting eight catches for 179 yards and two TDs.
That was not it for the Owls, however, as Texas Tech transfer receiver Kelby Valsin caught eight passes for 115 yards and one score. Valsin caught six passes in his two years with the Red Raiders; in two games with FAU, he has 18 catches and two touchdowns.
Valsin has steadily become one of the most important transfers on the Owls’ roster, and Messer is still playing some of the best football of his collegiate career.
“The fact that we have Kelby, Dom (Henry), AJ, a really good run game this year, and a stud at quarterback, there should be no way anybody can stop this offense,” Messer said.
Tremendous improvement defensively for Owls
The Owls’ defense significantly improved after giving up 66 points and nine touchdowns against UF.
Until the fourth quarter, the Owls had only allowed one touchdown. Facing a Navy rushing attack that had over 500 yards and six touchdowns in its opener, the Owls held the visitors to under 250 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns.
“I just feel like throughout the week, we were a lot more physical. Last week was like a wake-up call.” defensive end Josh Roberts said. “We needed it to humble us. We went out and did our thing today.”
The Owls held Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson to 47 passing yards and an interception before Woodson went down with injury to send backup QB Jackson Gutierrez into the game.
The Owls also forced turnovers; linebacker Nate Fischer forced a fumble and safety Bo Simpson-Nealy came up with his first Owls’ interception.
A disastrous fourth quarter let Navy rally
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Owls were leading 38-7. But they then allowed three touchdowns and a safety, allowing Navy to cut the deficit to eight points. In the fourth quarter, FAU was outgained 117-27 and outscored 16-0. The Owls allowed 81 rushing yards and failed to record a single passing yard.
FAU running back Ethan Ervin ran for a first down with under a minute left to clinch the win. Ervin led the team in rushing with 17 carries for 67 yards.
Kittley tried to rest his starters, but a fumbled punt and Navy's rally forced Veltkamp and others back onto the field.
It was FAU's first win over Navy in four tries.
“Not how I wanted to finish that game, but at the end of the day, we got to celebrate,” Kittley said. "We’ve never beaten them in school history until tonight.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Navy-FAU takeaways | Caden Veltkamp tosses 5 touchdown passes in win
