Up 31 Points, Lane Kiffin Went For Two To Spite Akron Athletics Official

Dan McQuade|published: Wed 20th December, 11:43 2017

Joel Auerbach/ [object Object]

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.