FAU vs. North Texas Recap: Veltkamp Throws for 452, Two Plays Cash

North Texas beat FAU 48-41 in a shootout that produced 1,167 yards of offense. The game was tied 24-24 at halftime after Easton Messer caught a 12-yard touchdown with 39 seconds left in the second quarter. North Texas scored 17 points in the third to go up 41-31, FAU pulled within 41-38 on a 34-yard Messer touchdown, and a 2-yard Tayven Jackson pass to Kyle Koch with 4:02 left restored the margin. Jahiem White ran for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 59-yard score. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Caden Veltkamp 275+ passing yards (-245 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Veltkamp had 275+ in 5 of 7 games this season (339, 318, 314, 386, 276), averaging 298 a game. With FAU a 14-point road dog, we expected the game script to force volume.
• What happened: He completed 37 of 56 passes with 5 touchdowns and 1 interception, throwing for 452 yards. That is 177.5 over.
• Worth watching: The script played out the way we read it. Veltkamp threw 56 times while FAU ran it 28 times. When the Owls are big underdogs, his yardage line is worth a look.

ALT: Easton Messer 80+ receiving yards (-265 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Messer had cleared 80 in 5 of 7 this season (162, 102, 88, 85, 179) and 8 of his last 10, with 26 catches over his last two games. As a 14-point road dog, FAU figured to keep throwing to him.
• What happened: He caught 16 passes for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns (27, 12 and 34 yards), 109.5 over.
• Worth watching: That is 42 catches over his last three games. His volume is the reason this line keeps clearing.

How the game played out

North Texas ran for 240 yards on 36 carries and held the ball for 35:05. Jackson completed 33 of 46 passes with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, throwing for 404 yards, and Justin Stevenson caught 9 passes for 119 yards. FAU kept answering through the air, with Dominique Henry adding 10 catches for 116 yards, but the Owls ran for only 71 yards. A 43-yard Collin Rogers field goal with 1:56 left made it 48-41, and that was the final.

Trends to watch

• Messer has 42 catches over three games. His reception and yardage lines stay worth tracking while FAU throws this much.
• White carried 26 times for 193 yards. His rushing line deserves a look against defenses that struggle to stop the run.
• Both quarterbacks threw for 400+. Game totals involving these offenses are worth reading carefully.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. For more on these markets, see player prop and alt line, or get more at /cfb.