College Football Bowl Predictions: Akron vs. Florida Atlantic 12/19/17
Is Florida Atlantic a good bet as a massive favorite tonight against Akron in the Boca Raton Bowl? Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
The Odds: Akron vs. Florida Atlantic, 7:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday
According to oddsmakers, the Owls are 22-point favorites to beat the Zips, who opened as 17.5-point dogs. The total, meanwhile, hit the board at 61.5 but jumped to 65.5.
Akron enters play with a 7-6 record and is 2-4 on the road. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, compiled a 10-3 record and is 6-1 at home. From a betting standpoint, the Zips are 9-4 against the spread while the Owls have an identical 9-4 ATS record.
Akron Injury Report
The Zips will be without safety Zach Gusier (concussion) running back Warren Ball (leg), who have been out since early October. Quarterback Logan Marchi (lower body) and receiver Ventell Bryant (leg) are both questionable.
Florida Atlantic Injury Report
For the Owls, Matthew Weiner has been out all season with a knee injury and defensive tackle Ray Ellis has missed most of the season with his own knee problem. But tight end Harrison Bryant is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Our Prediction
The Owls have been a great bet all season. They’re 5-1 against the spread in their last six home games. They’ve covered the spread in seven of their last nine games overall. They’re 6-2 at the betting window in their last eight games coming off a victory. They’re also a perfect 6-0 against the spread in their last six games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Is motivation a potential issue for FAU tonight? Possibly. But this is such a mismatch that even if Lane Kiffin’s team isn’t prepared, they could roll out of bed and hang 45 on any given opponent. And Akron simply doesn’t have the firepower to hang with FAU.
Boca Raton Bowl Prediction: Florida Atlantic Owls -22