At the beginning of week one, is perhaps the most interesting coaching matchup on Saturday. Love him or hate him Florida Atlantic’s Lane Kiffin catches cameras and copy wherever he goes. “Baby Kiff” had a great first season at FAU but last year was an undeniable setback. Now Florida Atlantic will have among the toughest college football betting openers of any program. Ohio State and its new head coach Ryan Day are touted as playoff material. Ohio Stadium, AKA “The Horseshoe” is a venerable and iconic home. Specifically, Saturday is not likely to be a Hoot for the Owls.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. #5 Ohio State Buckeyes
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2019, noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio |
| Florida Atlantic vs. Ohio State TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic | +27½ (-110) | 63 (-110) | +2000 |  |
| Ohio State | -27½(-110) | 63 (-110) | -4000 | |
| ||||
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Overview
Last season Ohio State had a college football betting record of 13-1 straight up and 7-7 vs., the spread. Ohio State was 7-7 on totals. Head coach Urban Meyer retired as a Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion. By contrast, Florida Atlantic fell to 5-7 straight up, 4-8 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals. In 2017 the Owls were 11-3 and winners of the Boca Raton Bowl. Head coach Lane Kiffin received a lot of accolades for that. However, the bad second act was a reminder of why many doubt Baby Kiff’s coaching acumen.
A New Day
Although Ryan Day has never been a full-time head coach, he does have some experience. Day was the interim head man for three games last year when Meyer was suspended. Not only did Ohio State post three online wagering wins in that situation but Day impressed all. Specifically, his calm and thorough organization won over Buckeye fans and brass. Extending a season of newness is Georgia transfer quarterback Justin Fields. Fields as the raw material of the five-star recruit that he was. Day’s task is to bring that talent out to flourish.
2018 Not a Hoot for Owls
Fashion the hype on Kiffin and Florida Atlantic heading into 2018. Most observers thought Baby Kiff was gone to a premier Power Five job in short order. The defense ranked 88th overall was the major culprit to FAU’s demise.
Florida Atlantic and Ohio State Vs. The Line
The Owls are:
- 3-4 against the spread as a road dog
- 7-1 over the total as a pup away from home
- 2-5 as an away dog of 10 or more points
- 4-2 over the total getting 10+ points on the road
The Buckeyes are:
- 6-11 with the line as a home chalk
- 1-4 under the total laying points at Ohio Stadium
- 5-4 as a double-digit home favorite
- 1-4 under the total laying 10 or more points at Ohio Stadium
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Picks
In this situation expect this is a bad college football betting spot for FAU. Day proved he can prepare a team well last season. Most important of all the Owls lack the depth and talent to stay with the Bucks.
Florida Atlantic vs. Ohio State College Football Betting Prediction: Ohio State Buckeyes
Florida Atlantic vs. Ohio State College Football Betting Score Prediction: Buckeyes 48, Owls 17
Catch Ryan Day’s comments on quarterback Justin Fields!