Memphis Tigers vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Picks

The 7-3 Memphis Tigers will meet the 5-3 Florida Atlantic Owls on Wednesday night in the Montgomery Bowl at 7:00 PM ET in the Cramton Bowl. The Tigers come in as 8.5-point favorites and we’re looking at some defense being played with a 49.5 over/under. Both of these teams are looking to cap off an otherwise strange season with a bowl game victory. Let’s dive into how this game will go down and who will end up covering the spread. Make sure to check out the rest of my CFB Picks and Predictions as we will have every single bowl game covered.

• Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. CUSA.
• Owls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Under is 5-1-2 in Tigers last 8 games as a favorite.
• Under is 6-1 in Owls last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.

All three of Memphis’ losses have come to quality teams, dropping games to Cincinnati, Tulane, and SMU. They’ve taken care of business against every lesser opponent, and have beat up on most of them. They’re coming off a three-point victory over Houston in a game that was close throughout. They’re led by QB Brady White, who’s tossed it for 3,096 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His primary target is Calvin Austin III, who’s hauled in 60 receptions for 1,025 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sean Dykes is an excellent TE and he’s caught seven touchdowns as a big threat in the RZ.

Memphis throws it more than they run it, but Rodrigues Clark and Kylan Watkins are no slouches. Clark leads the way with 523 yards and two scores. Memphis tends to use their passing game inside the 20, leaving the touchdowns for White and the passing attack. Memphis was middle of the road defensively and they must step up against FAU.

The Owls won five of their first six games, but ultimately looked ugly in each of the last two, getting outscored 20-3 and 45-31. Neither game was very close and the Owls must not fall behind early. It’s tough for a team of this style to come back when they set their precedent on running the ball. Their backfield is loaded, but it starts with QB Javion Posey (401 yards, 3 TD) and HB James Charles (347 yards, 4 TD). Malcolm Davidson is also a beast if he is active.

The Owls defense is active, but they don’t force a ton of turnovers. They’re certainly a lot better against the pass than they are the run. Meaning it’s very possible to run the ball against this team. If they fall behind, it can spell disaster. If the Owls want to win this game, they must get out to a fast start.

The Memphis Tigers are the better all-around football team and the Owls lean on their defense to win football games. The Memphis Tigers are extremely versatile and they’re able to move the ball in a ton of different ways. FAU is one-dimensional on offense and they struggle inside the RZ. The running game of Memphis is a deadly one and they have three different backs that can change the game. I like the Tigers to win this game by two scores and I have no interest in betting the Owls in this matchup.

While both of these defenses fail to impress me, the offenses are even worse. Memphis can score, but they’d rather run the ball and throw it short. They play fast, but the FAU offense can control the passing game and I expect Memphis to have their success on the ground. The under is the only bet to make here and it’s my favorite one of the entire game.