Owls still have work to do

BOCA RATON — Before last Friday’s game, Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin and Marshall’s Doc Holliday had a conversation.

They discussed how tough Conference USA has been this season. There was always a clear favorite in year’s past but that isn’t the case this season. With three games left, the league championship is still up for grabs because of the balanced play.

“[Holliday] told me this is as balanced as he’s ever seen the conference,” Kiffin said. “Every game, you’ve got to play.”

The Owls are among those fighting for the conference crown. At 5-0, they are atop the East Division standings. They are one game ahead of rival Florida International, but Marshall and Western Kentucky are just two games back. In the West division, North Texas, UAB and Southern Miss are all in contention.

The Owls and North Texas are the only teams that can clinch a berth in the conference title game by winning out.

The Owls have said all along the conference championship is the ultimate goal. After reaching the six wins needed for bowl eligibility, the players are at least starting to enjoy the fact they will play in the postseason.

“Obviously, it’s a great feeling,” quarterback Jason Driskel said. “I’m not going to sit here and lie to you because it’s a big deal for me, for the guys who have been here for our program but it’s not our goal . ... ”

Next game: FAU at Louisiana Tech, Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN3, WTCN