South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Ending the Kiffin era in grand style
Outgoing coach watches FAU blast UAB to earn its 2nd C-USA title in 3 seasons
After not starting the last two games, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is back in the Panthers net.
BOCA RATON — FAU concluded the Lane Kiffin era in similar fashion to how it began: by winning a conference title.
The Owls dominated UAB in the Conference USA championship game from start to finish, defeating the Blazers 49-6 on Saturday at FAU Stadium for their second C-USA title in the past three seasons.
FAU (10-3, 7-1) outscored its opponents 99-9 in its two C-USA title game appearances under Kiffin. The Owls defeated North Texas 50-3 in 2017 to win their first C-USA title.
“We’re looking at three years here not just playing in two conference championship games, but winning two conference championship games at home,” Kiffin said, who stepped down as Florida Atlantic’s coach after Saturday’s win and took the head coaching job at Ole Miss.
“This is a special team. These kids did a great job at avoiding distractions that obviously could’ve been there.
“[I’m] really proud of these guys and just really happy for the university and the fans. They’re champs again. That trophy is back here for another year.”
Quarterback Chris Robison was named the game’s MVP. The redshirt sophomore completed 17 of his 37 passes for 267 yards and four touchdowns.
“His future is extremely bright here,” Kiffin said. “I wouldn’t be
As he stood on FAU’s sideline for the final time Saturday, coach Lane Kiffin watched the Owls capture another Conference USA title.
surprised if he was the conference player of the year . ... Great job taking care of the ball and really being a real quarterback, which is what he did.”
Wide receiver Deangelo Antoine finished with five receptions for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown.
“When I saw them win the first one, I wanted to be a part of that,” said Antoine, a graduate transfer from USF.
Tight end Harrison Bryant eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season during the game, becoming the third FAU player in program history and third C-USA tight end ever to record 1,000 yards in a season.
Cornerback Chris Tooley’s interception in the fourth quarter of the C-USA championship game was the Owls’ 21st of the season, breaking the previous record of 20 set by the 2017 team.
The Owls totaled a season-high 585 yards. FAU’s 49 points are a season high and the most points the Blazers have allowed during the 2019 season.
FAU had a balanced offensive attack as it also rushed for 286 yards on 42 attempts.
Running back Malcolm Davidson rushed for 128 yards on 11 attempts, while running back BJ Emmons scored two touchdowns to go along with 40 rushing yards on 12 attempts.
Nine different FAU players recorded a rushing attempt.
UAB’s six points are the second-fewest the Owls allowed this season. The Blazers recorded 223 yards on 59 plays (3.77 yards per play). FAU registered three sacks and six tackles for a loss.
“The reason we came out today and played so well was because we solely had our minds on the game,” Robison said. “We weren’t worried about the outside noise or whatever was going on with coach. We worried about the game, and as you can see, doing that helped us out today.”
The Owls’ bowl game will be announced Sunday.