NCAAF Spread Pick – Florida Atlantic Owls vs Florida International Panthers

Our Florida Atlantic vs Florida International pick has the Owls favored at -9.5 (-105). On the other hand, the Panthers come in at +9.5 (-105). The Florida Atlantic Owls are 3-1 and second in C-USA East with the 3-0 Marshall Thundering Herd first. FAU’s one loss was to #22 Marshall, as the Thundering Herd took them down 20-9. Since that loss, the Owls have won two straight games. On October 31, Florida Atlantic beat the UTSA Roadrunners 24-3. Then, on November 7, FAU eked out a 10-6 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

FIU, which is 0-1 in the conference and 0-3 overall, lost their only C-USA game as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders beat them 31-28. That was on October 10. The Panthers last played on October 23. In that contest, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks beat FIU 19-10. Florida International presently sits in last place in the C-USA East.

This C-USA matchup will be played Friday, 13, 2020 at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Kickoff is 7:00 pm ET. The forecast is for partly cloudy skies with the game-time temperature at 78 degrees. Winds will be from the NE at 5mph and humidity will be 86%. There’s a 13% chance of precipitation.

Florida Atlantic vs Florida International Pick – Stats

In their first game of the season, FAU scored 21 points. Plus, in game three, the Owls posted 24 points. But in their two other contests, they averaged just 9.5 PPG. The team’s overall average points per game come to 16.0. On the other hand, FIU is averaging 24.0 PPG. Although the point differential between these two teams may appear to give the Panthers an edge, that advantage disappears when you compare points allowed.

The Panthers are allowing opponents 28.7 PPG, while the Owls are giving up just 11.5. Florida Atlantic’s D is giving up just 317.0 YPG. That includes 213.5 YPG in the air and 103.5 YPG on the ground. Conversely, FIU’s defense is allowing 458.8 YPG. Included are a hefty 213.3 YPG in rushing. That’s a telling stat, as the Owl offense is averaging 166.0 YPG rushing.

Owls vs Panthers Spread Pick – Key Players

Our Florida Atlantic vs Florida International pick observes that the FAU’s rush attack is substantial with Malcolm Davidson averaging 7.5 YPA and James Charles averaging 4.7 YPG. Also, RB Larry McCammon III has been good for 4.6 YPA. Davidson and Charles have scored once each, while QB Nick Tronti has crossed the goal line twice while rushing. Tronti, who’s completing 54.0% of his passes, has thrown three TD passes and one INT. He’s been sacked 10 times. The Owls’ extra stingy D comes to this game with 14 sacks, eight PD, and two picks. They’ve also forced two fumbles, recovering one. LB Leighton McCarthy has recorded 4.5 sacks while safety Zyon Gilbert has grabbed two interceptions. Also, three linebackers, Chase Lasater, Caliph Brice, and Ahman Ross, have accumulated a total of 87 tackles. They are the stoppers.

For FIU, freshman QB Stone Norton has played well. He’s tossed three TD passes and has not thrown a pick. Norton has been sacked seven times. He completing just 53.1% of his passes. WRs Bryce Singleton and Nate Jefferson are the Panthers’ top receivers with seven and five receptions respectively. Each has caught one TD pass. RB D’vonte Price, who has 303 rushing yards and three scores, anchors the ground game. Also, RB Shaun Peterson Jr., who has 168 yards, has scored two rushing TDs. The Panther D has recorded seven sacks, 10 PD, and two picks.

Florida Atlantic vs Florida International Pick – Final Word

Our Florida Atlantic vs Florida International pick relies on these two very different defenses. The Owls’ defense is tenacious and tough. The Panthers give up a lot of rushing yards. We think that the FAU linebackers will put massive pressure on quarterback Norton. Plus, we expect that they will shut down the run. Watch the Owls’ rush attack penetrate and score against the Panthers.

For Thursday, November 12, we have the Colorado State versus Boise State spread prediction. Plus, we are offering a totals pick for that same game.

Florida Atlantic vs Florida International Panthers Summary

Florida Atlantic Owls at -9.5 (-105)