FAU not using UCF’s title claim as motivation

After a 50-3 dismantling of Akron in last year’s Boca Raton Bowl, Florida Atlantic fans began loudly chanting how they wanted to play Alabama next.

In a way, the Owls will play the defending national champions on Friday. But rather than face the top-ranked Crimson Tide, who defeated Georgia in last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship, FAU will be playing the self-proclaimed “national champion,” No. 16 Central Florida.

“I’m sure Alabama doesn’t think that UCF is the national champs,” deadpanned FAU coach Lane Kiffin.

Central Florida went 13-0 last season, defeated Auburn in the Peach Bowl and was ranked No. 6 in the final AP Poll.

“They definitely had a great year,” said FAU running back Devin Singletary. “Last year they did big things . ... They still got their winning streak. Them boys balling.”

Because the Knights were the only unbeaten team in Division I, the school embraced the idea of being “national champions,” even holding a championship parade in January.

Though Kiffin has said on multiple occasions he believes the Crimson Tide are the “true” national champions, he’s also defended UCF and criticized the Top 25 polls and the CFP ranking system.

FAU players, however, aren’t buying into the hype about facing the “national champions” Friday night.

“Whatever they want to call themselves, be my guest,” said senior safety and Seminole Ridge alumnus Jalen Young. “They want to call themselves national champs. If they believe it, then do their thing.”

Young said Wednesday he’ll play against the Knights after missing last week’s 49-28 win over Bethune-Cookman with a knee injury. The senior finished second in the nation with seven interceptions last season.