FAU predicted to finish fifth in east

Florida Atlantic’s football program has high expectations for itself under firstyear coach Lane Kiffin. Not so much among Conference USA’s media members.

In the Conference USA media preseason poll released Tuesday morning, the Owls were predicted to finish fifth in the East Division. FAU is coming off three straight 3-9 seasons and the firing of former coach Charlie Partridge. Kiffin took over in December.

Last year, the Owls went 2-6 in Conference USA, tied for sixth (out of seven) with Marshall in the East Division. In the 2016 preseason poll, FAU was predicted to finish fourth in the East.

Two-time defending conference champion Western Kentucky (20 first-place votes) was picked to win the East Division this season. Middle Tennessee State (four), Old Dominion (three) and Marshall (one) followed. After FAU, FIU and Charlotte rounded out the East Division.

The Owls went winless against their fellow East Division teams last season. They have never finished better than fourth in the East Division.

In the West Division, Louisiana Tech (20 firstplace votes) was tabbed as the favorite, followed by UTSA (seven), Southern Miss (one), North Texas, Rice, UTEP and UAB.

Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech met in the Conference USA title game last year. FAU will play both division favorites on the road this season. It plays at Western Kentucky on Oct. 28 and at Louisiana Tech on Nov. 11.

FAU returns 17 players who started the season finale against Middle Tennessee, although receiver Kalib Woods is suspended pending two felony battery charges. The Owls are led by Devin “Motor” Singletary and Gregory “Buddy” Howell Jr., who combined to rush for 1,849 yards and 25 touchdowns.

No Owls were named to the Conference USA preseason teams on Monday. Coaches voted on the preseason teams.

FAU has not made a bowl game since 2008.