BOCA RATON – In Lane Kiffin’s send-off to the FAU faithful, it was the defence that took control in the Owls 49-6 win over the UAB Blazers in the Conference USA Championship game on Saturday (Dec. 7).

The win clinches FAU’s second conference championship in Kiffin’s three seasons as head coach.

The FAU defence, which has forced the most turnovers in the nation, held UAB to just 223 total yards and allowed just two conversions on 13 third-down attempts. The Owls also forced a turnover on a Meiko Dotson interception.

The Owls began the scoring in the first quarter, when BJ Emmons punched it in on a fourth-and-goal attempt at the 1-yard line. Although Emmons had 24 rushing yards on the drive, it was Malcolm Davidson’s 20-yard run that set up the touchdown.

After a 36-yard field goal by UAB’s Nick Vogel, FAU quarterback Chris Robison quickly responded, completing a pass to DeAngelo Antoine, who took the pass 75 yards for a touchdown.

Antoine, who seemed to find a lot of open space in the open field, finished the game with five receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.

In the second quarter, the Owls would extend their lead with an 18-yard touchdown pass caught by John Mitchell and a Tyrek Tisdale blocked punt, which was recovered by Eddie Williams for a touchdown that put the Owls up 28-3.

Later in the half, Robison would connect with Harrison Bryant for an 8-yard touchdown pass to put FAU up 35-6 going into halftime.

Robison, who earned MVP honors with his performance, completed 17 of his 31 attempts for 267 passing yards and four touchdowns. Robison also added 30 rushing yards on just four attempts.

FAU would later add touchdowns by Emmons and Chauncey Mason to make the score 49-6, where the score would stand.