College Football Predictions – Florida Atlantic Owls 2018 NCAA Football Preview
2017 Recap
Record –11-3
ATS – 10-3-1
Yes, guy.
The FIGHTING KIFFINS got off to a rocky start losing three of their first four games and then went into BEAST MODE. The Owls crushed everything in their path down the stretch and won their final ten (!) games in a row including a massacre of the Akron Zips in the Boca Raton Bowl (50-3).
Should we expect more of the same in 2018? Let’s dig in.
2018 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
East Division – #1
Conference USA – #2
Florida Atlantic Owls 2018 Outlook
OFFENSE
Wow. The Owls moved like a TREMENDOUS MACHINE under the guidance of Lane Kiffin and finished the 2017 campaign ranked #9 in total offense in the FBS (#6 rushing). They need to introduce a new QB but the good news is that last season’s signal caller (Jason Driskel) was ruthlessly efficient, but definitely someone that can be replaced given the system and coaching in place. Oklahoma transfer QB Chris Robison is the leader in the clubhouse as far as the starting QB role is concerned and we feel confident the production level at QB will be as good as last season with maybe a few more mistakes.
The Owls boast one of the best offensive weapons in college football in RB Devin Singletary who did close to the impossible last season bagging 32 (!!!) rushing TDs and almost 2,000 yards rushing (1,920). The man is APPOINTMENT TELEVISION and should have another big season. The WR group is talented and they have a 2nd Team C-USA TE in Harrison Bryant. The only worry on offense is a line that returns just a pair of starters and will be guided by a new OL coach.
Florida Atlantic was lights-out last season (40.6 PPG, #8 FBS) and figure to be excellent again in 2018. We project the Owls will be among the top-3 in scoring offense in the conference but it might not be fair to expect 40 PPG. Then again…………
DEFENSE
It might have been the most overlooked improvement in college football last year. The Owls went from allowing 39.8 (!) PPG in 2016 to a mere 22.7 (!) in 2017. The defense will be one of the best in Conference USA as they return 10 starters to the stop unit including several all-conference players. The most DEVASTATING of those performers is LB Azeez Al-Shaair who was a STATS MONSTER in 2017 (147 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 QBH). The Owls allowed just 55.9% completions and were #1 in the conference with 20 INT. The entire starting secondary returns and that is great news for Owls’ fans. Florida Atlantic also bagged 38 sacks last year (#1 Conference USA) and should continue to cause trouble for opposing offensive lines and QBs.
This is one of the best defenses in the conference and an underrated unit overall.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Owls must break in a new PK and P this season and we expect a drop in the efficiency of the kicking game. Florida Atlantic was in the top-half of the conference in PR and KR and all key players return in 2018.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It’s difficult. The non-conference schedule includes visits to Oklahoma (!) and UCF as well as a home date with Air Force. Their division is pretty deep.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Air Force (September 8). They need to take on the option the week after a big time test with the Sooners.
Season Win Total
Over 8.5 -105
Under 8.5 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean to the over. The schedule is tough but this team looks like a serious beast once again.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The OWLS have a DOCUMENTED undefeated record in bowl games (3-0) after destroying Akron last year. That was their first bowl appearance since 2008.
Lane Kiffin has coached approximately 88 teams in the FBS.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the OWLS a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Slightly Above Average) this season.
Last season we SHOCKED THE PROGNOSTICATION WORLD expecting good things from the Owls vs the point spread when we penned the following; “…..We have a gut feel that the QB situation could be better than we think and the transfers on defense could make a big difference. We would be surprised if they did not gain bowl eligibility and think they can be a money maker….”
MEGALOCKS FUTURES CLUB also bagged a 20-1 (!) MONSTER calling for an FAU Conference championship.
What about 2018?
This is still a rock solid team. The divisional games are going to be tougher than last season but the Owls have more than enough talent to rip through Conference USA play again and get to the title game. From a point-spread perspective Vegas never caught up to how good this team was last season and we don’t see the same mistake being made in 2018. Value will be harder to find but they should still be a good bet on occasion.
HOOT HOOT.
Want more Florida Atlantic Football ?
WEBSITE
http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-footbl/fau-m-footbl-body.html
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NEWS
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fau-owls/
http://bleacherreport.com/florida-atlantic-football
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/florida-atlantic-owls
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