BOCA RATON, Fla. (Interstat) — In a high-octane American Athletic Conference shootout on Saturday, Florida Atlantic’s offense proved too potent for UAB, as the Owls secured a 53-33 victory at Flagler Credit Union Stadium.

The game, which saw the teams combine for 86 points, was a stark contrast to a defensive struggle, with Florida Atlantic’s multifaceted attack leading the way. The win lifted both teams to 2-3 records on the season.

Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound sophomore from Bowling Green, Kentucky, orchestrated the offensive explosion with precision. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, adding 5 yards on the ground. His performance was the catalyst for an Owls offense that scored in every quarter.

The Owls set the tone immediately, racing out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Running back Kaden Shields-Dutton, a 5-11, 215-pound back from Orlando, Florida, was the workhorse, scoring the first two of his three touchdowns on runs of 13 and 2 yards. The period was capped by a spectacular 48-yard touchdown pass from receiver Easton Messer to fellow receiver Jayshon Platt, showcasing the Owls’ creative play-calling.

UAB, known as the Blazers, found their footing in the second quarter, outscoring the Owls 14-13 in the period to narrow the gap. A 14-yard touchdown run by Solomon Beebe and a subsequent 13-yard scoring run by Beebe, followed by a successful two-point conversion, brought the Blazers back into the game. The Blazers’ defense also contributed, with linebacker Devin Hightower intercepting a Veltkamp pass to set up the second score.

However, Florida Atlantic answered just before halftime. With 1:29 remaining, Veltkamp connected with Dominique Henry on a 43-yard touchdown strike, giving the Owls a 35-21 lead and crucial momentum heading into the break.

The offensive fireworks continued after halftime. Shields-Dutton punched in his third touchdown from a yard out to extend the Owls’ lead. UAB responded with a determined drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Kitna to Isaiah Jacobs, but the Owls immediately answered. Veltkamp found Asaad Waseem for a 29-yard touchdown, re-establishing a comfortable margin.

UAB added a field goal in the fourth quarter, but Florida Atlantic controlled the clock and capped the scoring with a 28-yard field goal from Garrison Smith to provide the final margin.

While UAB’s offense showed flashes, it could not keep pace. Quarterback Jalen Kitna, from Tacoma, Washington, completed 29 of 41 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown, but the Blazers’ running game and offensive line struggled at times against an active Florida Atlantic defense.

The Owls’ defense was led by linebacker Tyler Stolsky, who recorded a game-high 13 tackles. Defensive end CJ Doggette Jr. was disruptive in the backfield, notching four tackles, two sacks, and a quarterback hurry.

The combined score of 86 points sailed past the pregame over/under line of 67.5. The result was a mild upset, as UAB had been installed as a 4.5-point favorite, though Interstat’s ELO system had given Florida Atlantic a 65.6 percent probability to win.

UAB will look to rebound next Saturday when they host Memphis. Florida Atlantic hits the road for a conference matchup at South Florida.