Ohio vs. Florida Atlantic Odds
| Ohio Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | +145 |
| Florida Atlantic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | -175 |
We head down to Boca Raton, Florida for an intriguing clash between the Ohio Bobcats and the Florida Atlantic Owls.
Both of these teams are coming off victories, though the Bobcats didn't cover as 34-point favorites in a 27-10 win over LIU.
FAU QB Casey Thompson was very impressive last week, as he threw for five touchdowns in a win over Monmouth.
Both of these teams failed to cover last week, so let's see if we can uncover the best bet for Ohio vs. FAU.
Ohio Bobcats
It's safe to say the Bobcats aren't the same team without QB Kurtis Rourke, who re-injured his knee in the opener against San Diego State. Rourke's status is unknown, which makes it tough to handicap this game.
I think Rourke will be held out, so we'll get another week of backup QB CJ Harris. Harris has shown flashes of versatility and decent arm strength, but over the past two weeks, I've also seen plenty of turnover-worthy throws.
I expect the Bobcats to rely on their running game in this matchup. If Harris can limit the turnover-worthy throws, Ohio will be able to take advantage of a mediocre (at best) FAU defense.
Ohio's defense has been pretty stagnant through two weeks. The sample size is small, but the Bobcats' greatest strength has been in the trenches, as they rank inside the top 50 in both Success Rate and Havoc.
Conversely, the pass defense has been a huge problem. Ohio struggles to defend the pass and is beyond the top 100 in both pass defensive Success Rate and passing play rate. However, the Bobcats are inside the top 30 in pass Explosiveness Allowed.
They're giving up a lot of yards through the air, but are also preventing the big play.
Florida Atlantic Owls
The Owls match up really well against the Bobcats, but something has to give with this defense. The secondary is a huge concern, and they don't get much push in the trenches either.
I have a feeling this defense is going to be on the field a lot, as I expect Ohio to rely on its running game.
As for the offense, Thompson should have success in this matchup. The Bobcats don't give up explosive pass plays, but the Owls should be able to sustain long, methodical drives.
The running back tandem of Larry McCammon III and Zuberi Mobley provides a very nice alternative if the Owls somehow struggle through the air, as both backs are more than capable of ripping off huge runs at any moment.
Ohio vs Florida Atlantic
Betting Pick & Prediction
I definitely lean towards backing the Owls, but there's a play that I think is getting overlooked in the market. This is contingent on Rourke being ruled out, but I really like the under in this game.
Yes, it's a scary spot to take an under, but I alluded to a bunch of reasons as to why I think the clock could be running throughout this game.
Without Rourke, I think Ohio's best chance to win is to rely on its ground attack and eliminate risky throws down the field.
I also don't trust the Bobcats' defense enough to back them. The same goes for the Owls, so I'd rather take a shot at the under.
