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Sizing up the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl between Akron (7-6) and Florida Atlantic (10-3)
Time, TV: Dec. 19, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Site: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Fla.
Analysis
You want to see why everything about Florida Atlantic seems to be so fun? Here’s your shot.
From Lane Kiffin turning into the ultimate Twitter troll, to the offense that can’t be stopped, to a charged-up school that hasn’t known any real success in its short history, everything about the first year under the new coach has been a blast.
That includes winning the Conference USA title and blowing out everyone in the league.
In steps Akron, looking to make amends after an ugly performance against Toledo in the MAC Championship game.
Head coach Terry Bowden’s team started out 1-3 in what looked like another mediocre season, but the Zips started beating the mediocre teams, then stunned Western Michigan and beat a superior Ohio squad to take control of the MAC East.
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Nothing is flashy about Akron. The lines are OK, there’s almost no pass rush and the offense averages 329 yards per game. But the defense knows how to take the ball away — forcing 27 turnovers — and has a knack for finding ways to win.
Everything is flashy about FAU, with RB Devin Singletary leading a devastating ground game (283 yards per game). The offense put up 30 or more points in its last 11 games.
Players to watch
LB Ulysses Gilbert III, Akron: A star after taking over a starting role as a sophomore, he did it all this season as a junior, leading the team with 127 tackles with three interceptions and five sacks.
DE Jamal Davis, Akron: It took a few years to get going, but once he did, he became the Zips’ best defensive playmaker. The 6-4, 235-pounder looks the part, and he quickly turned into exactly what the defense needed with a team-high 13 1/2 tackles for loss. Great late in the year, he closed out with a huge effort against Toledo in the MAC championship game loss.
RB Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic: Who got to be Kiffin’s main man to handle the offense? Singletary led the nation in scoring, rushing for 29 touchdowns and catching a TD pass. After struggling against Navy and Wisconsin, he tore it up from there, running for 100 yards in every game the rest of the way, with two or more touchdowns in nine of the last 10 games.
LB Azeez Al-Shaair, Florida Atlantic: There wasn’t a stop he didn’t seem to be in on. The quick hitter was able to get into the backfield from time to time, but he was at his best helping out against the run, coming up with a team-high 134 tackles despite missing a game. He had 10 or more tackles in nine of his 12 games.
Who wins?
The Zips can’t stop the run. Their defensive front gets gouged too easily and will be hit with at least 300 yards of FAU rushing offense. Singletary will be keyed on, but it won’t matter. The Owls will come out fast. Akron lacks the offense to keep up.
IMAGES FROM THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL SEASON
