Boca Raton Bowl Matchup

Posted December 03, 2017 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin hugs wide receiver John Franklin III (12) after he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line during the Conference USA championship NCAA college football game against North Texas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Boca Raton, Fla. The play nullified a touchdown and resulted in a turnover. (Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) The Associated Press

Akron (7-6, Mid-American Conference) vs. Florida Atlantic (10-3, Conference USA), Dec. 19, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

LOCATION: Boca Raton, Florida

TOP PLAYERS

Akron: LB Ulysees Gilbert is a first-team all-Mid-American Conference selection who has recorded more than 120 tackles each of the last two seasons.

Florida Atlantic: RB Devin Singletary, 1,796 yards rushing, 6.5 yards per carry, 29 touchdown runs.

NOTABLE

Akron: The Zips reached the Mid-American Conference championship game for the first time since 2005. They lost the MAC championship game 45-28 to Toledo.

Florida Atlantic: After going 3-9 each of the last three years, Florida Atlantic captured the Conference USA title this season under new coach Lane Kiffin. The Owls have won nine straight and now play a bowl game at their home stadium.

LAST TIME

This is the first meeting between Akron and Florida Atlantic.

BOWL HISTORY

Akron: First Boca Raton Bowl appearance and fourth bowl berth overall.

Florida Atlantic: First Boca Raton Bowl berth and third bowl appearance overall. This marks Florida Atlantic's first bowl game since a 2008 Motor City Bowl victory.

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Florida Atlantic wide receiver John Franklin III (12) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter of the Conference USA championship NCAA college football game against North Texas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Boca Raton, Fla. (Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) The Associated Press

Florida Atlantic celebrates winning the Conference USA championship NCAA college football game against North Texas, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Boca Raton, Fla. (Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) The Associated Press

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