Kiffin gambles on fourth down

BOCA RATON — The Florida Atlantic coaching staff has a book used for charting just about every imaginable statistical category.

Head coach Lane Kiffin turned to it on the first drive last Saturday against Louisiana Tech. On fourth-and-1 at their 21, the Owls went for it and converted with a 2-yard run by running back Devin “Motor” Singletary. The drive later ended with a touchdown and began the 48-23 rout.

“Every minute and every yard line is broken down in this book that we use,” Kiffin said. “It’s all based on percentages.”

The Owls are 16 of 27 on fourth downs this season. Only four teams in the nation have more attempts. Many of the chances are taken during odd circumstances, at times in close games. Kiffin said it’s more about trusting the players than gambling.

“Ninety-nine percent of coaches don’t do it because if it doesn’t work you guys will rip us in the media,” Kiffin said. “That’s the easy way out. The other way is‘, `OK, this is what percentages say, put the belief in your players that they’re going to do it.’ We just had a team meeting a couple minutes ago where [we told players], ‘We trust you. We have belief in you. That’s why we do that when everybody else punts.’ ”

Kiffin said he hopes safeties Jalen Young and Andrew Soroh will return this week after sustaining undisclosed injuries in the first half against Louisiana Tech.

Young leads the Owls with five interceptions Soroh is seventh in tackles with 39.

Next game: FAU vs. FIU, Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN3.com

Shandel Richardson while