Florida Atlantic Football

Florida Atlantic University’s athletic department received a $2 million donation toward the new on-campus football stadium from the Schmidt Family Foundation on May 4.

The 30,000-seat stadium is the centerpiece for FAU’s Innovation Village, a $70 million project which will also include two housing dorms and shops, which has already helped garner interest from prospective students and the community.

The stadium is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 7, with the first home game slated for Oct. 15 against Western Kentucky.

The donation secures the foundation a permanent place on the scoreboard upon its completion.

“We are extremely grateful to the Schmidt Family Foundation for this gift,” said FAU President Mary Jane Saunders. “The support FAU has received from the Schmidts over the years has helped it become the internationally recognized university it is today.

With these funds for the stadium, the Schmidt family continues to leave its mark on FAU, and we will be reminded of the extraordinary generosity every time we look at the scoreboard that bears their family name.”

This donation is the largest to date for the stadium.

“Through the Schmidts' generosity, this gift becomes the largest donation to the stadium thus far and really gives the project vital credibility in the community,” said FAU Director of Athletics Craig Angelos. “We cannot thank them enough.”

FAU will open the new stadium on Oct. 15 against Western Kentucky.

“October 15 will forever be a day of great significance in FAU history, as we play for the first time in our on-campus stadium,” said head football coach Howard Schnellenberger.

“On behalf of the players, coaches and fans, I thank the Schmidt Family Foundation for their commitment to the future of Owl football and for their generous gift to our new home.”

For more information about the the new stadium, visit www.fausports.com.

Well it took 10 years and only five years since joining Division-I Football, but it looks like FAU is finally going to have a player or two (or three) on an NFL roster this season.  You have to like everyone's chances.

First you have QB Rusty Smith.  I think Tennessee planned on grabbing Rusty as an undrafted free-agent after the draft, but it appears they were very impressed by him. The fact that New England looked him over twice forced Tennessee's hand into getting him in the sixth-round of the NFL draft because they just could not let him pass them by. 

It is extremely early, but at first glance one would say the Titans appear to be very pleased with their decision.  It is fairly apparent that the Titans will keep Rusty on the roster at the start of the season.  Teams don't typically waste any picks on players they think they will put on the practice squad (although it has happened before, I'd say it is unlikely).  Most observers think Rusty will be placed on the practice squad because the Titans won't want to bring four QB's to every game with them this season. 

Honestly, there is a high probability that the Titans will try to trade Kerry Collins before the start of the season.  Collins only has one more season with the team and although they are unlikely to get a draft pick for Collins they could get a decent back up at another position by dealing Collins.  There is even a slight chance they could be shopping Chris Simms.  It seems pretty strange to think they would shop Simms when they just got him, but maybe they weren't planning on getting a QB in the draft until they "fell in love" with Rusty Smith of FAU (according to Mike Heimerdinger, the Titan's Offensive Coordinator).  Even with keeping the current QB situation at Tennessee Rusty has a background that has prepared him to be able to have a good shot of at least challenging Chris Simms for the third spot on the depth chart.  Rusty is in a good position with Tennessee because nobody ahead of him is completely reliable.  Simms has had his shot and is destined to be a backup for the rest of his career, Collins is creeping up on retirement and Young is elusive but still struggles with accuracy (aka Michael Vick).  Rusty Smith's day in Tennessee could come, or if Vince Young improves then Rusty could become a good project to dangle out as trade bait in the years to come.

Second you have FB Willie Rose.  Rose has the absolute best shot of anybody to find his way (not only onto an NFL roster) but to actually get out on the field for some plays in the 2010 NFL season.  Rose was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans.  It looks like they'll be keeping him at fullback which works to his advantage.  He only has one player to beat on the Titans at FB, and that is Ahmard Hall.  Their averages in rushing and receiving are very comparable, however Ahmard has been up against the best of the best and Willie, well you know the same old song and dance about level of competition.  Rose is obviously a solid FB and Ahmard only touched the ball 13 times last season for the Titans and had two fumbles that were lost.  That's not good no matter how you look at it.  Rose also had two fumbles in his senior season, but neither were lost and that was after 91 touches.  Ahmard is also 30 which isn't the best age when you're talking about RB's and FB's.  Above average 30 year old runners are tossed aside all the time, so I'm thinking if Rose really shows out in camp he could even go from undrafted free agent to starting FB for the Tennessee Titans.

Last you have FAU Tight End, Jason Harmon who has been converted to wide receiver at the pro-level.  Obviously Harmon needs to be a wide receiver at the pro-level because he lacks the size of a typical blocking tight end in the NFL.  He has perfect structure and skills to function as a secret weapon (second string) wide receiver in the NFL.  Harmon was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.  Jacksonville has a rather large crew competing at the position but few of them have Harmon's super qualities.  Jason Harmon has been victim to dropped passes in the past, but if he is cured and can pull them in, he has quite unrivaled abilities at getting yards after the catch.  His chances aren't as great at making an NFL roster as Rusty Smith and Willie Rose, but if Jacksonville can harness Harmon's strengths and get him the ball in the middle of the field then they may be able to see his legendary Harmon Hop in the NFL.

Future FAU Owls with a shot at landing on an NFL roster:

2011

Possible FAU Owl Draft Picks:  
None determined as of yet.

Possible FAU Owl Undrafted Free Agents: 
QB Jeff Van Camp
DB Tavious Polo

2012

Possible FAU Owl Draft Picks:
RB Alfred Morris

Possible FAU Owl Undrafted Free Agents:
CB Tarvoris Hill

Florida Atlantic University has been searching for a way to get an on-campus stadium for their football team since its inception in 1998.  And over the nine years that the team has been playing collegiate football, they have earned it.

The only football coach the Owls have ever known, Howard Schnellenberger, has led this up-start program from, literally, nothing to two bowl victories and a team that competes for Sun Belt championships every season.

But the next step is to get an on-campus stadium.

FAU currently plays their games at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, and games against larger opponents are played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Neither of these locations help to build a fan base on-campus, which is in Boca Raton. Getting a stadium in Boca is imperative to taking this football program to the next level.

After a few years of 'talking' about getting a stadium, the school has finally received bids from banks to approve the financing for a 30,000 seat stadium at the north end of FAU's Campus. Once all of the paperwork is pushed through and the state approves the financing, FAU will break ground and, barring a major setback, the Owls will be playing football on campus in September 2011.

The stadium was supposed to be ready for this upcoming fall season, but FAU could not get the financing in time and had to push it back, again. FAU even set up a big time school to open up their stadium with. But instead of hosting Michigan State, the game was moved to Detriot's Ford Field, of all places, with most of the proceeds of the game going to FAU. That money, expected to be around $2 million, will then be used towards the on-campus stadium.

Here's to hoping that everything goes well and the Owls will be playing football on their own field in seasons to come. And as an Alum and Owl Fan, it cannot come soon enough.

This time last year, FAU was a hands down favorite to win the Sun Belt, was on most BCS Buster Lists and littered numerous watch lists.  So far in 2009, I have yet to find any college football group of "experts" willing to predict that FAU will win the Sun Belt Conference. 

They have hit one BCS Buster List so far, but it was done with a disclaimer that Troy would have been a better option (but Troy plays the Florida Gators).  FAU players have hit some watch lists this year but there isn't as much love as last year.

FAU started the 2008 season off with a bang (in the wrong direction), as they were crushed by Texas 52-10.  They felt they still could grab a Sun Belt Championship until they started their Sun Belt run with two losses (on national television).  FAU was 1-5 and all expectations were officially forgotten. 


So what happened next?

FAU won five of their next six games and was invited to their second bowl game in school history.  Thank goodness there were not any high expectations for those Owls when they went into Detroit to play Central Michigan, because FAU was able to overtake Central Michigan and become the first Sun Belt team to win back-to-back bowl games.

Surely all of the college football "experts" lowered expectations for 2009 must upset the FAU players?  Of course not, FAU is happy to be ignored.  They know that early 2009 predictions mean nothing once you're a few weeks into the season. 

The 2008 FAU Owls let expectations go to their head.

Many players, including standout QB Rusty Smith will tell people that they did not put too much effort into Spring, the weight room or preseason practice in 2008.  They felt like they had the Sun Belt Championship in the bag and could hopefully sneak up on Texas and/or Michigan State in OOC play.

In 2009 FAU is giving 110 percent in every aspect of their preparation.  This season should be the biggest offensive showcase FAU fans have ever experienced.  Sure they've only existed since 2001, but still this should be an amazing offensive season for the Owls of FAU.

QB Rusty Smith is entering his senior year.  Only a year ago Howard Schnellenberger was claiming that Rusty Smith could be first round NFL talent. 

However, Smith's stock fell a bit last year.  He started the 2008 season with a great opening drive against the Texas Longhorns and was ready to score, but stretching out for a high snap injured his shoulder.  It took weeks for Smith to fully recover from the injury.

Now Rusty is 100 percent and excited about the 2009 season, which could easily send his stock back up to the first day of the NFL draft.

Why is Rusty Smith excited?  He is loaded with starters from 2008 and even one from 2007, in TE Jason Harmon.  Jason missed all of 2008 due to injury but is back for the 2009 effort.  FAU possesses one of, if not the best crop of tight ends in the NCAA, and Harmon is their best. 

The "Harmon Hop" should be in full effect in 2009, especially against some of the OOC opponents that are unaware of what exactly the "Harmon Hop" is.  Just look up some of his highlights, particularly when FAU played (then No. 6) South Florida in 2007.

Rusty Smith also has a solid line and has Cortez Gent and rising deep threat talent Chris Bonner to depend on.  In Rusty Smith's previous seasons, he had an average running game to rely on.  This spring FAU discovered they could possibly have  a seriously destructive running game.  

Due to some spring injuries FAU gave Alfred Morris a shot at tailback in their spring game and he shot to the top of the Charles Pierre replacement list with 131 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries.  He is built like a bruiser but surprisingly moves and cuts very well.  This guy could possibly be molded into FAU's own version of Barry Sanders.

Of course coach Howard Schnellenberger wants to keep Morris working hard, by stating that he won't name his starters in the running game until 10 days before they open the season in Nebraska.

So the offense is more than fine and capable of scoring on everyone they play this year.  The defense is the big question mark.  FAU lost the majority of their defensive starters with the end of the 2008 season (including the ever aggressive Frantz Joseph). 

However, aside from Frantz FAU was not very impressive on defense last season.  They were a team that allowed rival FIU to score 28 points in the forth quarter last year (luckily the FAU offense scored 28 points in that forth quarter as well).

So despite having such a new young defense, I'd say change is a good thing this year.  The FAU defense appears to be poised to put a little more pressure on QB's which should also help the secondary.  Particularly, DB Tavious Polo has a good shot at returning to his early 2007 statistics.


So what will FAU's final record be this season? 

Who will win the Sun Belt Conference and have a good shot at sneaking up on some out of conference opponents?

The Sun Belt Conference is getting very competitive and should take down more giants in OOC play in the years to come and it will get more and more difficult for a Sun Belt Conference champion to go undefeated in their conference games.

I don't want to raise expectations on the Owls of Boca Raton, but I think some of you can guess as to what team I think has a descent shot at taking on the men of Troy, Middle Tennessee, Arkansas State and the rest of the rising talent of the Sun Belt. 

I think the winner of the Sun Belt Conference in 2009 might just be a team headed to their third straight bowl appearance (I should probably also mention Howard Schnellenberger holds the record winning streak in bowl games with an undefeated 6-0 record). 

He has won a National Championship. He is unblemished in bowl games. He has revived three separate programs. He even dabbled in the professional game.

He started coaching in 1959, only nine years after Joe Paterno.

Howard Schnellenberger has done many things in the college football world.

But his current stint with the Florida Atlantic Owls might be coming to an end soon.

His 48-48 mark with the program is nothing to write home about...unless you consider the following: Schnellenberger has been coaching the Sun Belt Conference team since 2001, the programs first year of extinction.

FAU joined the SBC after being a Division 1-AA team its first four years, followed by a single year as a Division 1-A independent. Competing against programs that possess great fluidity and tradition is tough, especially when you are starting from scratch.

Starting in 1979, his twentieth year as a coach, Schnellenberger brought the University of Miami back into college football's limelight. His highlight was winning the 1983 National Championship. Coincidentally, that was his final year with the Hurricanes.

He jumped ship to coach a USFL team in Southern Florida. When those plans fell through, Schnellenberger took over at the University of Louisville.

His career coaching record of the Cardinals is below .500, due mainly to a rough first three years. During the next three seasons however, Schnellenberger brought UL to two bowl games, winning them both, as well as their highest ever ranking.

The guy has a complex named after him there...

Following the 1994 season, and in a rather arrogant manner, Schnellenberger took over the reigns to the Oklahoma Sooners.

Oklahoma suffered their second losing season since World War II.

In the midst of much speculation of whom to blame, cavalier coach or haughty "Sooner" players, Schnellenberger resigned.

From 1996-1998, Schnellenberger tried his luck in finance. Dismayed, he decided to recommit himself to the sport he loves.

FAU was putting together a football team, and who better to have at the helm than a coach who revived two programs? He lived in Florida, to boot.

Though old, he was experienced. Schnellenberger could recruit, and he recruited well.

As an Independent Division 1-AA team, in only its first four years of existence, Schnellenberger lead the Owls to a record of 26-21.

FAU jumped to Division 1-A as an Independent, and they faired rather poorly: 2-9.

The next three seasons were much more constructive. From 2006-2008, Schnellenberger placed the Owls at records of 5-7, 8-5 and 7-6, respectively. The latter two years featured FAU defeating Memphis 44-27 and Central Michigan 24-21 in bowl games.

With the 2007 New Orleans bowl invitation, FAU became the youngest program ever to be invited to a bowl get, let alone win one.

The Owls victory over CMU in the 2008 Motor City Bowl preserved Schnellenberger's perfect bowl record at 6-0. But his team, despite their marginal bowl win over the Chippewas, had an upsetting season.

Though Schnellenberger has done a rather stupendous job at Florida Atlantic, he may not have done enough. This could be his last year with the program, seeing as the Owl's best player (Rusty Smith, QB) is also leaving after this year.

The coach has an immediate knock against him in the fact that he is 75 years old.

If Schnellenberger cannot manage to lead the Owls to a more-than-impressive season, I have a hard time picturing a 76 year old man engineering a very young team with a new starting quarterback.

After seven bowl games, I stand at 5-2 against the spread, and I would take that winning percentage spread across all 34 bowl games.

As we decide what gifts we are keeping and what we're going to return and even thinking about hitting all of the sales on the 26th, there is football to be played in the Motor City.

Before I get into my write up I want to tell and thank all of the readers from my site, The College Football Place, who are reading my write up here how thankful I am for them and how much the emails and comments meant over the past few days.

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about my site was infiltrated by a hacker Christmas Eve. While there wasn't any user information or information of mine that's actually housed at the site, they deleted every file and article I ever wrote and all of the posts in the forum and even my site template was deleted.

As I wrote this article, my site hasn't been restored but it is in the process, I don't know exactly how long it will take. I am not going to let these low-lifes win and I think all of you out there who have a site or use a favorite site like this one know and share my feelings. While I know we don't always agree, I know some of you don't appreciate all of my comments or opinions, and my spelling is suspect at best (as you guys have no problem letting me know); I think we all can agree at the end of the day were all just college football fans, trying our best to keep it real.

Fortunately a few weeks ago I installed a special tracking software and I believe I have the IP of this "hacker" and have given it to the FBI, so I hope justice will be served. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure that it is. In addition, I am personally offering $1000 cash US to anyone who provides information or backup leading to an arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

In any event, I'm not going to let a little thing like a deleted website get in the way of talking college football. I talked college football long before I had the site and will be talking about it probably until the day they put me in the ground. Let's talk Motor City Bowl.

Motor City Bowl    Ford Field   Detroit, MI

Florida Atlantic (6-6) Vs. Central Michigan (8-4)

December 26, 2008   7:30 EST  The Line: Central Michigan -7

Overview:

This one sets up to be a high scoring affair between two decent offenses and two even better QB's. The storyline we will probably hear most often in this one is going to be all about FAU's Rusty Smith and CMU's Dan LeFeFevour, but in reality it is a story of two teams whose defenses have been so porous at times that these QB's need to put up 500 yards and 50 points just to be competitive in games.

FAU started the season going 1-5 in their first six games and looked like anything but defending conference champs. How much of this came from over-scheduling and how much came because the team just wasn't ready is somewhat debatable but one of the losses in particular, a last second Hail Mary loss to Middle Tennessee State, was about as bad as it gets and may have been the wake up call the Owls needed.

On the other side, CMU managed to go 8-4 despite Lefoevur being injured and missing a few games. The Chippewas had a few chances to have another well above average season, but dropped a showdown type game against Ball State and then inexplicably lost to Eastern Michigan in a game where EMU QB Andy Schmitt threw the ball 80 times for over 500 yards. While Central Michigan has been a staple of postseason play, which CMU team shows up: The team that lost to EMU or the team that beat three bowl teams?

Some Stats:

Florida Atlantic:

Offensive Averages:

Defensive Averages:

* In parenthesis are National and Conference Rank, respectively

Central Michigan:

Offensive Averages:

Defensive Averages:

* In parenthesis are National and Conference Rank, respectively

*from statsheet.com

There just simply isn't a lot happening on defense for either of these teams. For me, I find it more than a little surprising that CMU is significantly worse on defense as on the surface it's FAU who played the tougher schedule. CMU appears to be a lot better against the run, which could come into play since LeFevour can run. CMU's 119th ranking in passing yards allowed makes them the second worst team in D-1 this year.

The Trends:

ATS Trends

*from covers.com

The Pick:

While a lot of fans today and the people who make the rules appreciate games that are all about scoring and offense, most of you know me well enough at this point to know I prefer a defensive battle and don't trust teams that can't stop other teams. While I have little faith in either team, I think that CMU has a few things in their favor, which has me leaning their way.

Firstly, they are virtually playing at home. Secondly, the rest will have given them time to heal their nagging injuries. Lastly, this is their third consecutive time in the Motor City Bowl, so this is old hat for them.

MITCH'S PICK: CENTRAL MICHIGAN -7

Visit Mitch anytime at The College Football Place

As we continue our march through bowl season, it’s time to look at that lull time between Christmas Day and New Year's. Yes, they have managed to squeeze plenty of games into that stretch as well, and with the way the holiday falls this year, there will be plenty of time to sit on the couch and soak up all the college football. You can begin your weekend by watching Florida Atlantic and Central Michigan in the Motor City Bowl on Friday.

This year’s Motor City Bowl features a matchup that most people could care less about watching, but that does not mean there’s not some entertaining football to be had. You just have to know where to look, and go beyond the numbers.

Florida Atlantic started the season 1-5 and looked to be on the fast track to nowhere. However, the Owls were able to get things back on track for the second half of the season and won five out of their last six games, pushing their record to 6-6 (had they been Notre Dame, they would have gotten a better bowl).

In all honesty, FAU is probably the weakest of all the bowl eligible teams in the country, but that does not mean they fail to stand a chance in the Motor City Bowl.

Despite being extremely turnover-prone in the first half of the season, Florida Atlantic seemed to right the ship coming down the stretch. They even managed to score 57 points against rival FIU in the regular season finale. Quarterback Rusty Smith has found a level of comfort using his tight ends, especially when in the red zone. This has proven to lower the number of turnovers committed by FAU.

The Central Michigan Chippewas have come a very long way in a very short time under second year coach Butch Jones. The Chippewas are the proud owners of an 8-4 record this season, and they finished in second place in the MAC. In addition, this year’s Motor City Bowl will mark the third consecutive bowl appearance for Central Michigan, which marks a first in school history.

Central Michigan is another team that has benefitted by running a spread offense. While they may not be known for lighting up the scoreboard, the Chippewas offense is as lethal as any spread attack in the country. They are led by junior quarterback Dan LeFevour, who along with eight returning starters from last year's team heads a very experienced offense that can run like a well-oiled machine at times.

Currently the spread for the Motor City Bowl has been pulled from the boards, but it began with Central Michigan standing as a seven-point favorite. Putting the spread aside, Central Michigan should prove to be too much for FAU to handle.

Florida Atlantic snuck in the back door just to make it to a bowl game, and they are going to run into a very talented Central Michigan team. Mainly, FAU cannot keep up with the spread offense and the speed of the receivers at CMU. Central Michigan will shred the FAU defense and roll to a convincing victory.

MOTOR CITY BOWL

Florida Atlantic Owls versus Central Michigan Chippewas

December 26, 2008

7:30 PM ET

Ford Field, Detroit, MI

Opening Spread: Central Michigan -5

How they got here…

Central Michigan finished in a tie for second in the MAC’s tough West Division, with a 6-2 conference record and 8-4 overall. Had a narrow 31-24 loss to Ball State been reversed, the Chippewas would have won their third straight division title.

Florida Atlantic finished a disappointing 4-3 in Sun Belt play after having won the conference a year ago. The Owls ended the year 6-6, securing bowl eligibility after a 57-50 overtime shootout with cross town rival FIU in their final game.

Statistically Speaking…

CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour is probably the best-known player in the game after having become the second player ever, after Vince Young, to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season in 2007.

Neither team has impressed on defense this year. FAU finished 93rd and 85th in the country in total and scoring defense, while CMU finished 104th and 91st in the same, respectively.

Thanks to the play of LeFevour and FAU quarterback Rusty Smith, who some have tabbed as a future NFL draft pick, this game has a chance to be a high-scoring affair like it was last season. A year ago, these same Chippewas narrowly lost to Purdue 51-48.

Using the same stat analysis I used on these hypothetical BCS title game scenarios, this game comes out as a very close one. It projects as a 34-31 CMU win, meaning these are two very evenly matched teams.

Why you should watch…

A lot of people around the web have dismissed this game, but there are some interesting subplots nonetheless.

You have new school versus old school, thanks to CMU’s spread option facing coaching legend Howard Schnellenberger. You think Howard is concerned? He famously called out Texas before the season began for not being a tough team.

He’s still got plenty of fight left in him, even if the ‘Horns beat his Owls 52-10.

You also have the two quarterbacks. LeFevour can make plays with his legs as well as his arms, which keeps his team in a lot of games. Smith as I said is touted to be a future NFL player, and the Chippewa defense made Curtis Painter look like a first round pick in last season’s Motor City Bowl.

Give this game at least a quarter or two. You may find it a nice break from keeping your family occupied and cleaning up the day-old wrapping paper your dog keeps tearing up.

Central Michigan wins if…

It can play some defense.

In CMU’s four losses, the Chippewas gave up an average of 43.75 points. In their seven wins over FBS competition, they gave up just 26 points a game. The offense will score some points for sure, but winning bowls via shootouts are a dicey proposition. If they can hold FAU under 30 points, they probably will win.

Florida Atlantic wins if…

The offense can get going.

In their six losses, FAU scored no more than 17 points and was held to 10 or fewer points three times. The Chippewa defense has been known to be accommodating from time to time, and so the Owls must capitalize. A big game from Smith could win the game and give the program some momentum going into his senior season in 2009.

B/R Expert Picks…

Trey Bradley: Central Michigan

Michael Cline: Central Michigan

GeorgiaDawg: Central Michigan

Justin Goar: Central Michigan

Lisa Horne: Central Michigan

Miami Mitch: Central Michigan

Brian Scott: Central Michigan

David Wunderlich: Central Michigan

If you are betting college football this Saturday, Nov. 29, be sure to visit Touthouse.com for updated college football betting odds, expert college football picks, and NCAA predictions. Click Here to Buy Winning College Football Picks.

Florida International +5.0 (-110): Saturday, Nov. 29, 4:00p

This is a double revenge spot for the Florida International Golden Panthers, who have lost this rivalry matchup each of the last two years including an embarrassing 55-23 defeat at home last season.

Very little separates these teams this season, however, as FIU is averaging 21.9 points per game and giving up 28.0 points per contest, while FAU is scoring 22.3 and allowing 27.5. With numbers this close, this game should come down to intangibles, so the huge revenge motive becomes even more significant here.

Also note that this game is on a neutral field, and FIU has been the more competitive of these teams away from home this season.

The Golden Panthers are averaging a respectable 21.7 points per game on the road, and while they are losing their road games by an average of -10.0 points, that is only because they lost at Iowa 42-0 and at Kansas 40-10. They have more than held their own with teams that are on the same level.

Conversely, FAU has struggled on the road, averaging just 13.3 points while losing by an average of -14.7 points per game. They also looked awful in a 28-14 loss at Arkansas State last week, as the game was not as close as the score would indicate. In fact, the Owls were outgained by a total of 223 yards.

All things considered, this game should be a lot closer to a Pick, so we see good value with Florida International at this price.

CFB Free Pick: Florida International +5 (-110)—Courtesy of LT Profits

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