A clear difference exists between Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin and his detractors. Despite flaming out badly at USC the second year FAU coach was respected for his offensive mind. Correspondingly Alabama’s Nick Saban hired Kiffin to improve his offense. And then Kiffin did just that. But another part of Kiffin is his immaturity. Consistent with that is his love of clowning and trolling. So, while his team won Conference USA last year the critics remain. Especially daunting is the Owls first game with the college football betting odds. In short, they are at powerhouse Oklahoma!
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Date and Time: Saturday, September 1, 2018, Noon ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
College Football Betting Online Odds:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic | +20½ (-110) | 68 (-110) |  |
| Oklahoma | -20½ (-110) | 67 (-110) | |
| |||
Florida Atlantic vs. Oklahoma TV Coverage: FOX
Florida Atlantic Favored at the Odds
Florida Atlantic is favored with the college football betting odds to repeat as CUSA champions. Though this may be true Kiffin must break in two new coordinators. Charlie Weis Jr takes over the offense at age 25. Contrarily to conventional wisdom Kiffin again will defy his critics. In like manner the new OC is the son of Charlie Weiss. You know, of Notre Dame and million-dollar buyout fame. Decidedly important is that a starting signal caller is yet to be named. Meanwhile Tony Pecoraro will run the defense. Nevertheless, both coordinators have a wealth of talent to work with.
Lane Kiffin
Yet Kiffin is not the only coach to come off a successful debut with a new team. Indeed, Lincoln Riley led the Sooners to the playoff Rose Bowl last year. In spite of never being a head coach before the 34-year-old earned considerable respect. Especially important was that he calmed the waters after long time OU coach Bob Stoops surprisingly retired. A further look reveals that Stoops had Riley tabbed as his replacement for quite some time.
Replacing Baker Mayfield
Now Riley has the task of finding a replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield. Correlate to that the rest of the offense is loaded. Admittedly Mayfield’s departure leaves a huge void. Because of this Kyler Murray and Austin Kendall will get plenty of time to compete. Following this is the fact that OU must put points on the board. Especially with a defense that continues to be subpar. In fact, it was defense that was the difference in the playoff loss to Georgia. Further only marginal improvement is expected for 2018.
Team vs. Team
Florida Atlantic has been a strong road dog. As an example, they have covered 14 of their last 20 in that role. Three of their last four as a road dog went over the total. In a similar fashion has been Oklahoma as a home favorite. For instance, the Sooners have covered 12 of their last 15 in that role. Just two of their last six as a home chalk went under the sportsbook total.
Matchup to Watch
Summing up both teams are in transition. Namely the Oklahoma defense is likely to leave the back door open. As a consequence, FAU stands a good chance with the college football betting odds.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
On the whole Florida Atlantic should hang around the number at the very least!
College Football Betting Online Pick: Florida Atlantic Owls
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: Florida Atlantic 31, Oklahoma 35
Check out Lane Kiffin’s comments on new offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr.