BOCA RATON – It all comes down to this.
With a conference championship on the line, the FAU Owls (9-3) will host the UAB Blazers (9-3) in the Conference USA Championship game.
A win would cement Lane Kiffin’s legacy with FAU, giving them a second conference championship in his three seasons. It could also lead to added interest from big-time college programs, who have continued to show interest in Lane Kiffin as a candidate for their vacant head coaching positions.
The road for FAU, who began the season with losses to Ohio State and UCF, required some help from other teams. But for the most part, their path has been simple: win and you’re in.
Following a loss to Marshall, FAU needed a Marshall defeat to win the C-USA East. The Owls got exactly that, when Charlotte defeated Marshall.
The Owls final two wins against UTSA and Southern Miss clinched their conference title game spot.
The Owls have mainly won on the back of their defense, which leads the nation in turnover margin at plus-19.
The defense has seen an impressive season from linebacker Akileis Leroy, who has quickly emerged as one of the best linebackers in the conference. In 12 games, Leroy has 94 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Leroy and the rest of the front seven will need to be on their game from the first snap, as UAB possesses a rushing attack that compares favorably to most in the conference.
Although Spencer Brown has battled injuries this season, the junior running back proved his impact against North Texas, rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown on just 19 carries.
Behind him, running back Lucious Stanley is as capable of beating teams, as he has rushed for 415 yards and seven touchdowns on just 86 attempts.
The star of the show for UAB, however, is their defense, which will provide the high-flying FAU offense some trouble throughout the game.
As a unit, UAB has allowed just over 18 points per game and has sacked opposing quarterbacks 43 times. Both of these numbers lead the conference.
That unit is led by Jordan Smith and Kristopher Moll, who have combined for 19 sacks on the season. Both Smith and Moll, along with the rest of the defensive front, could provide some trouble for an FAU offensive line that has shown its fair share of struggles.
FAU will need to get its playmakers, mainly tight end Harrison Bryant, wide receiver DeAngelo Antoine and running backs BJ Emmons and Malcolm Davidson, involved early to combat the UAB defense.
Bryant, a senior, has dominated opposing defenses this season and was named a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which awards the best tight end in college football. Expect Bryant to be involved often as he and the FAU offense will try to stifle UAB’s strong defense.
Score Prediction: 24-17 FAU
Photo: Keith Forde
