Group of Five: UCF, Boise State headline 2018 preseason power rankings

Last year, Lane Kiffin generated an eight-win turnaround in Boca Raton on his return to head coaching. Florida Atlantic went from 3-9 in Charlie Partridge’s final season to an 11-3 Conference USA champion in 2017. It was an impressive performance that set the Owls up for a potential run at a New Year’s Six bid in 2018.

A major reason for hope at FAU is due to the return of running back Devin Singletary for his junior season. Last year Singletary led the country with 32 rushing touchdowns. This year, Singletary has the chance to become the first running back in NCAA history to rush for 30 or more touchdowns in two straight seasons. He is also going to push for his first 2000-yard season, a mark he fell 82 yards shy of reaching in 2017.

Kiffin’s teams are renowned for their offensive prowess, naturally, given his history as an offensive coordinator. But the Owls ranked 34th nationally in points allowed in 2017, and the defense returns one of the most veteran defenses in the nation. Other than graduate transfer Jeremiah Taleni, who spent his final year of eligibility on the FAU defensive line last year, every other starter returns.

The Owls are set up to dominate Conference USA once again. Beyond that, they have several statement chances outside of league play. To open the year, Florida Atlantic heads to Oklahoma to take on the reigning Big 12 champions in Norman. They also play UCF in Orlando in a game that will likely decide which Florida school remains in the running for the New Year’s Six bid.