The storied history of the Boca Raton Bowl had never seen a blowout like this. It wasn’t quite the 1902 Rose Bowl, but it was a romp: Florida Atlantic beat Akron, 50-3 in the fourth edition of the Boca Bowl.
It was an interesting game despite the score for a few reasons. For instance: Down, 7-0, Akron reached the FAU two-yard line on its second drive. They kicked a field goal to close the gap. It was the last points they’d score. Should’ve gone for it on fourth! Would’ve been a whole different game.
But it was a curious decision by FAU coach Lane Kiffin while up 31 points that really made things compelling. Earlier in the day, Kiffin—the former Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Volunteers, and USC Trojans coach—got a new 10-year contract to coach FAU. And after FAU scored a touchdown to go up 34-3 in the third quarter, Kiffin celebrated by having his team go for two.
Willie Wright’s conversion run was successful. Why go up 33 instead of 32? Kiffin had an explanation postgame:
And Florida Atlantic gets another 10 years of this! Well, until Kiffin wears out his welcome.