Navy’s 2017 season opener looked like a mismatch just nine months ago.
Florida Atlantic University closed out the 2016 season with a wild 77-56 loss to Middle Tennessee State on Nov. 26. The Owls finished with a 3-9 record for the third straight season.
One day later, athletic director Pat Chun fired head coach Charlie Partridge, who compiled a 9-27 record in three seasons at the helm.
About two weeks thereafter, Chun made a bold move by hiring Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as the fifth football coach in school history.