We’re focusing on the Conference USA this week as we are taking a look at the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech visiting Boca Raton, taking on the Florida Atlantic Owls. The Bulldogs are on a quest for the C-USA title, and they’ve been playing at a high level coming into this game, going 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The Owls are 3-4 overall, and 1-2 in conference play. The Bulldogs have won two in a row, and must win this game to stay within a game of UAB in the standings. One of the most polarizing figures in college football coaching lore, Lane Kiffin, is at the helm for the Owls, who have lost three of four and desperately need a win to stay relevant this season. Let’s take a look inside the numbers to see if we can on a winning streak here.
Louisiana Tech vs. Florida Atlantic College Football Preview
Date/Time: Friday, October 26th at 6:30pm EST
TV: CBSSN
College Football Betting Odds from Bookmaker
College Football Betting Favorite: FAU -3.5
Total: 58
Louisiana Tech:
The Bulldogs enter Friday’s tilt sitting just under UAB in the Conference USA standings. They lost to the Blazers 28-7 three weeks ago, but haven’t lost since. This is mainly due to a stifling defense that has held their last two opponents to a total of 27 points in the last two games. Leading the defensive charge is defensive back Jaylon Ferguson. The 6’5” Senior from St. Francisville, LA has 9.5 sacks on the season, two pass deflections and one forced fumble. He is literally a one-man wrecking crew. What’s even more impressive than that, is the Bulldogs’ top-ranked red zone offense. In 24 trips to the red zone this season, they’ve scored on all 24 possessions. That’s #1 in all of FBS, and will certainly help the Bulldogs in their quest to stay near the top of the Conference USA standings. Luckily for LT, the Owls have the #115 ranked red zone defense. That’s a hell of an angle for us in this game.
Florida Atlantic:
The Owls come into this game losing three of their last four games, falling fast in the Conference USA standings. Last season they went 11-3 and won the Boca Raton Bowl, and expectations were high coming into this season, and they just haven’t gotten it together. The Owls’ defense is ranked #112 in the nation, giving up over 450 yards per game. They better button that up if they want to have a chance on Friday. The Owls are ranked #25 in the nation in total offense, led by Freshman Chris Robison. He’s thrown for 10 TDs and 8 INTs this season, which certainly won’t make FAU world beaters, and they’ll need full focus and effort against this strong LT defense. Robison threw for 471 against Air Force early in the season, so he has big game capability, but this will be among his hardest tests this season, facing the defense of the Bulldogs.
Sin City Sharp (@SinCitySharp on Twitter) Free Pick:
Louisiana Tech has excellent balance on the offensive and defensive fronts. As mentioned earlier, they’ve scored on every red zone possession, and we look for them to expose the #112th ranked defense of the Owls. What we especially like about Louisiana Tech is their ability to force turnovers. The extra added possessions are key to winning ballgames, and Louisiana is just too talented not to keep it close, and possibly outright win the game. We must mention the Owls have won 10 straight at home, so they do have a strong home field advantage, however we think it breaks on Friday as Louisiana Tech rolls on and maintains their top status in Conference USA.
Free Pick: Louisiana Tech +3.5
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