Owls control their conference fate

Even though Florida Atlantic is the only remaining unbeaten team in Conference USA, coach Lane Kiffin refuses to let his players get complacent.

The Owls (5-3, 4-0 in Conference USA) needed to rally in the fourth quarter to defeat Western Kentucky, 42-28, on Saturday for their fourth consecutive victory.

Up next for the Owls, will be Marshall on Friday at FAU Stadium. The Thundering Herd were undefeated in league play before losing to Florida International on Saturday.

“That’s why you’ve got to play every week,” Kiffin said. “We’re going to have our hands full with them. They’re a really good team. They’ve been playing good ball.”

Kiffin said the close game was beneficial because they were coming off consecutive blowout wins over Old Dominion and North Texas.

“This was good to have because you need some of these games like this,” Kiffin said. “It was good to have one like this.”

Kiffin said he was most impressed with how the Owls were able to wear down the Hilltoppers in the fourth quarter.

With his 244-yard and four-touchdown performance against Western Kentucky, running back

continued to make his mark nationally. He has 159 carries for 1,053 yards this season, which ranks ninth in the country. His 18 rushing touchdowns lead all Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) players.

FAU vs. Marshall, Friday, 6 p.m., ESPN3,

Singletary Next game:

WTCN

Devin “Motor”