Florida Atlantic 2018 Betting Preview: All Aboard The Lane Train

Florida Atlantic 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +100000
• To win the C-USA: -112
• Win Total: 8.5 (over +100, under -120)

All lines as of Aug 8. Always shop for the best line.

Florida Atlantic 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 9.4

Bet To Watch

Florida Atlantic Over 8.5 (+100)

All aboard the Lane train! The theme rolls off the tongue so well, it makes a season win total over ticket feel like an easy cash. There is reason for excitement with coach Lane Kiffin's team in Boca Raton, as the Owls rank eighth in defensive returning production, upgraded at defensive coordinator and return one of the best running backs in the Group of 5.

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While my projected win total sits at 9.4, there were no upgrades in power rating this offseason. Florida Atlantic returns plenty on defense, but took hits on offense with coordinator changes, likely turnover regression coming and a loss of depth on the offensive line.

The new defensive coordinator is Tony Pecoraro, who led Southern Miss to overall havoc ratings of seventh and 18th the past two seasons. Look for that to improve a seasoned group of Owls defenders who ranked 80th overall in havoc in 2017.

We'll board the Lane train in the first year of a 10-year contract with an Over 8.5 wins (+100) bet after FAU won nine regular season games and Conference USA last year. The Owls are projected dogs at Central Florida, which should serve as the best spot to hedge the future, if desired.

What else you need to know about Florida Atlantic

There are some tricky spots on this schedule. Florida Atlantic travels to Marshall after an absolute betting abomination occurred in 2017 — leading by seven with seconds left, FAU took a safety on purpose and lost by five. The Owls were a 6-point favorite.

The Middle Tennessee game may also be a great spot to fade Florida Atlantic, with the Blue Raiders off a bye week and the Owls on back-to-back travel. MTSU lost 38-20 in 2017, but had three costly turnovers, making 2018 a revenge game. No game of the year line exists, but look to take Middle Tennessee at +6 or better.

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