FAU to have 3 nationally televised games in 2018

BOCA RATON — When Florida Atlantic football coach Lane Kiffin accepted the job, he made it clear he wanted to turn the Owls into a national program.

It has taken him just one season to make it happen. On Thursday, it was announced the Owls will open the season on national television at Oklahoma. The game will be broadcast at noon on Fox. They will also play two nationally televised games on CBS Sports Network. Their home game against Louisiana Tech was moved up a day to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26. They will also play at North Texas on Nov. 15 at 9:30 p.m., a Thursday.

The matchup with the Sooners could be even more appealing if the Owls start sophomore Chris Robison at quarterback. He played one season at Oklahoma before transferring last summer. Robison is competing with De’Andre Johnson for the No. 1 spot.

The extra exposure adds to an already anticipated schedule. Three weeks after Oklahoma, the Owls play at Central Florida.

The attention comes a year after the Owls finished 11-3, won their first Conference USA championship and defeated Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl. They ended the year on a 10-game winning streak, which is currently the second-longest in the nation.

This year, the Owls return a host of key players. They include running back Devin “Motor” Singletary, who ran for 1,920 yards and a nation-best 32 touchdowns. Also back are allconference linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and safety Jalen Young.

srichardson@sun-sentinel .com, Twitter @shandelrich