If Western’s loss to Louisiana-Monroe two weeks ago was the closest one of the season, Saturday’s game at Florida Atlantic is second on the list.

Like they did in the 21-18 loss to Monroe, the Toppers (0-11, 0-7 Sun Belt Conference) led for much of the third quarter and came out with a loss — this one a 29-23 come-from-behind effort by the Owls.

FAU junior quarterback Jeff Vancamp scored on a 3-yard run and 47-yard pass in the second half to push the Owls (4-7, 4-3 Sun Belt) to a two-possession lead.

Western’s only second-half responses were two field goals from sophomore kicker Casey Tinius, whose 22-yard make with 11:57 left in the third quarter came after the Toppers failed to capitalize on red-zone field position.

Vancamp finished 16-of-30 for 266 yards and three touchdowns, while Western sophomore running back Bobby Rainey led all rushers with 144 yards on 15 carries.

The Owls opened the game with a 16-yard Vancamp pass to junior receiver Lester Jean and a 20-yard field goal by junior kicker Ross Gornall.

Western got on the board midway through the second quarter with a 27-yard connection between redshirt freshman quarterback Kawaun Jakes and senior receiver Jake Gaebler.

The Toppers closed the half with some trickery, having Jakes pitch the ball to sophomore receiver Derrius Brooks. Brooks found junior receiver Seth Tamme in the end zone with 0:57 left in the second quarter to finish the half down 16-14.

Western had three turnovers on the day, two of which were fumbles. The Toppers were out-gained 427-368 by the Owls on offense.

Head Coach David Elson’s final game at Western is 7 p.m. Thursday night against Arkansas State.