As if FAU's uneasy season wasn't already stocked with lamentable endings, Saturday's final quarter offered the potential to end the Owls' home slate on a particularly sour note.

Unable to shake winless Western Kentucky, the Owls found their two-point lead thrown into jeopardy by fumbling the ball away near midfield with 11 ½ minutes remaining.

But the Owls' defense prevented the Hilltoppers from moving into range for a go-ahead field goal, and Lester Jean's 27-yard touchdown catch on the Owls' ensuing possession was enough to salt away a 29-23 victory.

``We were fortunate to get this win,'' said Jean, whose touchdown catch was his second of the day from Jeff Van Camp. ``Everybody stepped up when we really needed it.''

Van Camp also tossed a 15-yard scoring strike to tight end Jason Harmon and added a 3-yard touchdown run as the Owls (4-7, 4-2 Sun Belt) avoided the ignominy of being the opponent to end a Western Kentucky losing streak that now stands at 19.

The Hilltoppers (0-11, 0-6) have not won since beating Murray State in September 2008. In their second year since stepping up to Division I's top tier, they have yet to beat a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent.

Western Kentucky entered the game with the nation's worst scoring defense, giving up 42.2 points a game, and ranked next-to-last in total defense (506.5 yards).

``Somebody didn't tell those guys that they hadn't won a game in [18] tries,'' FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger said. ``[Western Kentucky] never gave up, and it took two interceptions and a recovered fumble and a recovered onside kick for us to beat them.''

The Hilltoppers, playing their second game since coach David Elson was told not to come back next season, certainly weren't shy about emptying their playbook Saturday.

One of their touchdowns came on a flea-flicker from flanker Derrius Brooks to Seth Tamme with 57 seconds left before halftime. FAU trailed 17-16 after the first of three Casey Tinius field goals for Western Kentucky. But the Owls recovered the ensuing onside kick and cashed it in with a 10-play drive that ended with Van Camp's touchdown run.

But the Owls couldn't get comfortable. Tinius cut Western Kentucky's deficit to 22-20 with a 22-yard field goal with 13:03 left, and the momentum seemed ready to turn when Avery Holley fumbled after catching a Van Camp pass just after crossing midfield. Mark Santoro's recovery gave the Hilltoppers possession at their 44.

Western Kentucky got as far as FAU's 39 before punting into the end zone. Two plays later, Van Camp hit Jean with a 44-yard strike down to Western Kentcuky's 35. They connected again two snaps later for the winning score.

Now FAU can carry a little momentum into next week's Shula Bowl, where FIU awaits well-rested after a bye week.

The Owls have won three in a row in the series -- including last year's 57-50 thriller -- and will be seeking to send off their 16 seniors with an unbeaten record over their rivals.

``It's a little bit of bragging rights,'' Gent said. ``We can say we've never lost to those guys.''