Oklahoma vs. Florida Atlantic 2018: Time, TV/live stream info, and pick prediction

Florida Atlantic was the site of Lane Kiffin’s redemption in 2017 — or, at least, big leap down a long road. The former USC and Tennessee coach put together his finest season on the sideline in his first year in Boca Raton, pushing the Owls to a school-record 11 wins and sweeping through league play en route to a Conference-USA title.

Now he’ll put the nation’s second-longest active winning streak on the line against what may be the toughest opponent he’ll face all season. Oklahoma may not have Baker Mayfield any more, but the Sooners are still favored to win the Big 12 this fall. The first step to a College Football Playoff return starts with a non-conference victory in Norman. Can Lincoln Riley’s team avoid Week 1’s mid-major upset bid?

The Owls started the season 1-3, with an encouraging, competitive loss to Wisconsin and an easy win over FCS’ Bethune-Cookman sandwiched by a blowout loss to Navy and a surprising late slip-up at Buffalo. There were hints of potential, but the season was to that point most notable for the fact that FAU had to stay (and practice) in Wisconsin for a few days because of Hurricane Irma.

There’s value in high-caliber coaching, though. Kiffin came to Boca Raton as a seven-year head coaching veteran with three seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama. His offensive coordinator of choice, Kendal Briles, was at the helm of the second-best offense in the country in 2015. His defensive coordinator of choice (and younger brother), Chris Kiffin, was in charge of one of the best lines in the country at Ole Miss (2012-16).

Murray took a broken road to get to Norman, originally committing to Texas A&M and playing one season in College Station before transferring north to Oklahoma where he could slide into a starting role after Mayfield left for the pros in 2018. There’s no denying the two-sport star’s talent, and his work in mop-up duty last fall was promising — he completed 18 of his 21 pass attempts for 359 yards and three touchdowns — doing it full-time is another story.

Starting the season off against the Owls will ease him into his new role, but FAU isn’t a pushover. Kiffin’s team ranked 20th in the nation in opposing team passer rating last fall. They’ve got the chops to frustrate an inexperienced passer like Murray — can he live up to expectations in his first start in crimson and cream?

Never say never. The Owls are playing the best football in program history and Oklahoma has to replace a Heisman winning quarterback. Granted, they’re doing so with a five-star prospect who’s also a vaunted baseball star, but still — there’s a chance.

A 22 percent chance, according to S&P+. Good luck, FAU.