FAU big-time transfers have smaller impact than expected

Upon their arrival, Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin immediately accepted the label.

The program was pegged “Second Chance U” when Kiffin began taking in some transfers from bigger school, most with questionable pasts. With the Owls set to play in their first Conference USA championship game, those same players have been mostly footnotes during this breakout season.

The Owls (9-3) have won with little contribution from the second-chance congregation. Instead, they have dominated the league behind the same prospects who landed at FAU after being overlooked by Power Five schools.

“Our job as head coaches is to put our team in the best position to win no matter what,” Kiffin said. “It’s not…