Kiffin draws big crowd in debut

loves Kiffin.”

Battersby and friends went as far as taking to Twitter to invite Kiffin to the festivities. With bigger things to handle, Kiffin was a noshow. Still, that didn’t mean the pregame show lacked style. From bikini-clad students to on-site DJs, this wasn’t the typical FAU scene.

The ice luge lasted a couple hours before one dancing student stood on a table in front of the audience. With music blaring, he took one last sip of alcohol from it before smashing it to the ground.

The crowd cheering as the pieces shattered was symbolic of the energy Kiffin has brought to campus.

“Lane Kiffin is here to win a championship,” Battersby said. “We’re going to the ’ship, that’s all I’ve got to say. He’s here to get us wins, to get us better than .500.”

Although the chances of the Owls winning a national championship are likely as finding a sober student at Friday’s tailgate, Kiffin has given hope to a program that went 3-9 the last three seasons under former coach Charlie Partridge. The Owls have finished at .500 just once since 2008.

Kiffin’s presence has already increased the fan base. Wayne and Jane Hill, of Boca Raton, consider themselves casual FAU followers. They have only been to a handful of games since moving here in 1964.

They expect to attend more now that they have a reason. Both grew up in Alabama and became Kiffin fans when he was the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.

“That’s why we’re here,” said Jane Hill, 76. “We’re old Alabama fans. There’s a connection.” When Kiffin arrived at the stadium for his first “Owl Walk,” he was greeted by students carrying signs that read, “The Lane Train,” and “All Aboard.” He drew loud applause as he made his way through the crowd, followed by the players and team mascot.

“I think it’s really exciting. It’s electrifying,” said Earl Johnson, whose son, De’Andre, is one of the Owls’ quarterbacks. “It looks like it’s going to be a great season. I see the town is really excited about what’s going on. It makes me excited.”

There is no telling how long Kiffin will remain at FAU.

“If he’s for the short-term or long-term, he’s going to win us games,” Battersby said. “He knows how to win and we’re happy to have him here.”