Two schools that prefer to run the football, Head Coach Lane Kiffin and the Florida Atlantic Owls (+20.5) are set to face off against the Utsa Roadrunners at the Alamodome. Kickoff for this conference game is set for 6:00 p.m. ET and ESPN+ is in line to have the TV rights.
Betting Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Florida Atlantic is the heavy road favorite and is currently giving up 20.5 points to UTSA. Oddsmakers have placed the over/under (O/U) at 57 points. If one program can find paydirt early, it will probably create a reasonable live betting scenario.
The over has gotten the bulk of the early sharp action. This game’s O/U was originally set at 56.
Both of these teams have been profitable this year as the Owls have gained 3.1 units and the Roadrunners are up 1.1 units.
The Owls are 7-3 straight up (SU), including 5-1 SU against conference opponents. The Roadrunners are 4-6 SU overall and 3-3 SU in conference play.
These two conference foes did not get a chance to play each other in 2018.
The Owls want to keep things rolling after a 37-7 win over FIU on November 9. Chris Robison completed 22-of-37 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown. Malcolm Davidson (153 rushing yards on 18 attempts, three TDs) led the running attack while Deangelo Antoine (nine receptions, 125 yards) and Harrison Bryant (four catches, 57 yards, one TD) handled the receiving duties in the win.
On November 16, Southern Miss knocked off this UTSA crew by a score of 36-17. The Roadrunners defensive unit allowed the Golden Eagles to kill the clock by rushing for 203 yards on 39 attempts, including three rush TDs. De’Michael Harris had a good outing, recording 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts for Southern Miss. For UTSA, Lowell Narcisse completed 21-of-40 passes for 325 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Narcisse (31 rushing yards on 18 attempts) and Sincere McCormick (54 yards on 17 carries) handled the running game while Zakhari Franklin (seven receptions, 97 yards) and Carlos Strickland II (five catches, 79 yards, one TD) led the pass-catching attack in the loss.
Florida Atlantic has run the ball on 52.2 percent of its offensive possessions this year while UTSA has a rush percentage of 56.7 percent. The Owls have produced 151.6 rush yards per game (including 184.2 per game versus Conference USA opponents) and have 22 scores on the ground this year. The Roadrunners are averaging 163 rushing yards per game (173 in conference) and have 14 total rush TDs.
The Owls offense has logged 283.2 yards/game in the air overall (282.7 per game versus conference opposition) and has 19 passing scores so far. The Roadrunners have recorded 170 pass yards per game (174 in the CUSA) and have nine total pass TDs.
Florida Atlantic has allowed opponents to rush for an average of 138.6 yards and throw for 254.6 yards per game. The UTSA D has given up 210.3 yards per game to opposing passers and 202.1 yards per game on the ground. The Owls are giving up an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of only 5.76 to opponents, while the Roadrunners have allowed a 7.38 ANY/A.
Passing-wise, Robison has amassed 2,429 yards this season. The signal-caller has completed 194-of-308 attempts with 16 scores through the air and only four interceptions. Robison has a 7.30 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, including 7.99 over the last two outings.
We’re looking for Owls to control the clock by feeding their running backs early and often. In addition to wideout Deangelo Antoine (562 receiving yards and four touchdowns), Malcolm Davidson (517 rush yards, eight rush TDs) and Chauncey Mason (72 rush yards, 37 receiving yards) have really been focal points in the Florida Atlantic offensive scheme.
In the home locker room, Lowell Narcisse has managed to complete 79-of-159 passes for 900 yards, five TDs and four INTs. Narcisse’s ANY/A sits at a mediocre 4.42 for the year and 7.48 over his last two outings.
The Roadrunners should also look to control the clock by turning to their backfield. In addition to Zakhari Franklin (199 receiving yards, two receiving TDs), Sincere McCormick (664 rush yards, six rush TDs) and Joshua Cephus (134 receiving yards and one TD) have seen quite a few touches recently.
Florida Atlantic Owls at UTSA Roadrunners Free Prediction
SU Winner: UTSA, ATS Winner: UTSA, O/U: Over
Team Betting Trends
- UTSA has lost 10 fumbles this season while Florida Atlantic has lost two.
- The Florida Atlantic defensive unit has 25 sacks on the year while UTSA has just 18.
- As a team, Florida Atlantic has averaged 5.4 yards per rush attempt across its past three outings and 5.6 over its last two.
- UTSA has averaged 3.2 yards per carry over its last three contests and 3.4 over its last two.
- Florida Atlantic has won eight of its last nine games SU, with a five-point defeat to Marshall on October 18th representing the only loss over that stretch.
