DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
UConn defeated Florida Atlantic 48–45 in a nail-biter. Florida Atlantic covered by 3.0; Game went Over by 29.5. The market closed at UConn -6.0 and the Blue Chip model made it UConn -4.5, an edge of 1.5 points toward Florida Atlantic.
QB Caden Veltkamp threw for a program-record 494 yards and 4 total TDs (2 passing, 2 rushing), finishing 42-of-55 with 1 INT. He entered the game 6th nationally in passing yards and ended with 3,458 yards, showing he can carry the offense against a strong UConn defense.
FAU led 45-42 with 2:11 left after Veltkamp's 11-yard TD run, but allowed UConn to drive for the winning score with 26 seconds left. A missed 36-yard field goal by Garrison Smith with 0:00 on the clock sealed the loss, highlighting special teams and defensive lapses in crunch time.
WR Easton Messer had 11 catches for 119 yards and a TD, boosting his season total to 94 receptions (2nd nationally). The offense also hit a 90-yard TD pass, showing big-play capability that can exploit defenses.
UConn QB Joe Fagnano threw for 446 yards and 3 TDs, completing 33-of-46 passes. FAU's defense allowed 48 points and 5 lead changes, indicating vulnerability to high-powered passing attacks that opponents may exploit.
At 4-7, FAU has one game left. Despite Veltkamp's record day, the loss drops them to 0-5 in one-score games this season, suggesting difficulty closing out tight contests. Next opponent will likely test their resilience and ability to finish.
At kickoff, conditions at FAU Stadium were Partly cloudy, 75°F with winds of 7 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Partly cloudy
75°F

| Measure | UConnAway | Florida AtlanticHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 1,143 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Home game | 1,317 miles |
| Season total | 5,842 miles | 7,267 miles |
| Body clock | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Rest | 7 days | 7 days |