A Conference USA showdown hits primetime as the Florida Atlantic Owls (5-2, 4-1) visit the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2-7, 1-4) on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Florida Atlantic is tied for first in the East division, but are losing the tiebreaker to Marshall, and Southern Miss sit second from the bottom in the West division. This game will air live on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Through seven games, the FAU offense is averaging 21.0 points per game and 330.5 yards per game, 133.0 through the air and 197.5 on the ground. QB Javion Posey leads the team with 393 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and TJ Chase has a team high 21 receptions for 328 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Owls are allowing just 11.2 points and 293.0 yards, 187.7 passing and 105.3 rushing.
The Southern Miss offense, through nine games, is averaging 23.1 points per game and 356.2 yards per game, 213.4 through the air and 142.8 on the ground. Frank Gore Jr. leads the team with 597 rushing yards and one touchdown, and Jason Brownlee has a team high 31 receptions for 529 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Golden Eagles are allowing 32.4 points and 410.1 yards, 227.3 passing and 182.8 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/Southern_Mississippi ” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the Florida Atlantic Owls at Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
Florida Atlantic Owls (-8.5) at Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles: O/U 40.5 (-120/-102)
Last time out, FAU visited the Georgia Southern Eagles and left with a disappointing 20-3 loss. This game was 10-0 at the half and FAU never threatened to win this game at any point. QBs Javion Posey and Nick Tronti combined to go 14/28 for 189 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Posey led the team with 61 rushing yards on eight carries. The FAU defense allowed 339 total yards to Georgia Southern.
Southern Miss last played on November 21st when they hosted the UTSA Roadrunners and suffered 23-20 defeat. USM led this game 10-9 at the half, but UTSA opened the second half with 14 unanswered points to give themselves a double-digit lead heading into the fourth quarter. QB Tate Whatley went 22/39 for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Frank Gore Jr. had a nice day with 70 rushing yards on 13 carries and hauled in two receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. The Southern Miss defense allowed 304 total yards and forced one Roadrunner interception.
Series History: Florida Atlantic has won both meetings between these two schools.
CFB Predictions: I like Florida Atlantic -8.5 on the road.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 52-29