Florida Atlantic at Florida International – Preview and Prediction
Florida Atlantic 6.5 FIU (52.5)
Implied Projected Score: Florida Atlantic 29.5 FIU 23.0
MEGALOCKS LINE – FAU -3.5
The Game
It’s Shula Bowl time ! It’s a heated rivalry and it is only getting hotter this week as the FIU Golden Panthers enter the game 0-4 and have a new HC for this one. DC Ron Cooper takes the reigns and hopes to get the season going on the right track this Saturday. FAU started off with a win over FCS opponent Southern Illinois but they lost three straight games. They now sit at 1-3. The road tests were tough (Miami, Kansas St) but the home loss to Ball St last week had to sting.
The Match-Up
Florida Atlantic offense vs FIU defense
Here we go ! The Owls have been outscored 132-44 in the last three games but get a defense on Saturday that they should have a bit of success against. QB Jason Driskel has thrown for 900 yards this season but only has 3 TDs vs 4 INTs. Only one target has emerged in the passing game but Kalib Woods appears to be a good one (371 yards in 4 games). Greg Howell provides balance in the running game and already has 66 carries. Neither defense has been very good this season and we think that FAU will get into the 20s. Our primary concern with FAU is the beat-up offensive line which keeps getting shuffled around and is down more than a couple of starters.
FIU quit last week. Now the HC is gone and we think the coaching change will get the guys fired up to at least play to their potential. So far, against similar offense competition to FAU, the Panthers have given up 6.19 yards per play (FAU 6.44).
FIU offense vs FAU defense
FIU has multiple options at QB. We were high on Alex McGough coming into the season but the offense has not produced under his control. Maurice Alexander has more mobility and has looked good when getting playing time. This gives the Owls more to think about when they create the game plan.
FIU has arguably the best offensive player in the game in RB Alex Gardner. He is a good runner and excellent receiver out of the backfield. FAU got trampled in the running game last week vs Ball St and FIU has to like their chances moving the chains. TE Jonnu Smith will probably have a big game. The Owls have given up over 30 points in every game this season and think that FIU will also get into the 20s in this one despite not doing that yet this season. They have been underachieving and the Owls provide a nice reprieve.
MEGA Mini-Bites
Long-term….motivation is not something you want to bank on too much BUT…..FIU is so down right now and they have equal talent to FAU…..maybe it gives them a spark ?….FAU is 10-4 in Shula Bowl ACTION but the home team has won 5 of the last 6…….Potentially meaningless factoid…..FAU lived through an agonizing loss last week that included FOUR lightning delays.
Summary
Have to take the points in this one. Rivarly game. Perceived value in the line. Hopefully a bit of extra motivation for the Panthers. More versatility on offense. Home field probably worth 0.00000000001 points but guess it cannot hurt.
Conclusion
Official play: FIU +6.5 -107 (wait to see if you can get +7….We wanted to get the pick out
(do not play lower than +6)