2014 College Football Florida Atlantic vs. Alabama Week 2 Predictions
By Anthony Rome
TUSCALOOSA, AL (The Spread) - After having its hands full with West Virginia in its opener, will Alabama respond by pounding Florida Atlantic today at 12:00PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, Alabama is currently a 40-point home favorite in its home opener against Florida Atlantic, while the total is now sitting at 51 after opening at 48.5. The Crimson Tide opened as a 39-point favorite before the line was bet up.
The Owls fell 55-7 to Nebraska in its season opener last week, failing to cover as a 20.5-point road underdog. The combined score also went over the posted total of 51.5 thanks to the Cornhuskers' 55-point effort. Florida Atlantic's lone score came on a first-quarter touchdown pass from Jaquez Johnson to Lucky Whitehead. But Nebraska shut FAU's offense down from there.
The Crimson Tide won its opener against West Virginia but had trouble with the Mountaineers throughout the game. While ‘Bama picked up a 33-23 win, it failed to cover as a 22-point favorite as Blake Sims completed 24-of-33 passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns and one pick. The Tide’s running game was in mid-season mode, however, as T.J. Yeldon rushed for 126 yards with two touchdowns on 23 carries and Derrick Henry added 113 yards with one score on 17 carries.
NCAA FREE PICK: Take Florida Atlantic. According to latest college football trends, the Owls are 12-2 against the spread in their last 14 road games and 6-1 ATS in their last seven games in September. They’re also 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games versus a team with a winning record, 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss and 11-4 ATS in their last 15 non-conference games. On the other side, the Crimson Tide are 0-4-1 against the number in their last five games overall, 0-4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games and 1-4 ATS in their last five games in September.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 FREE PICK: FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS +40