FAU vs. Ohio State Prediction
Will No. 5 Ohio State take a step back under a new head coach when the Buckeyes open the season at home against Florida Atlantic at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
161 Florida Atlantic vs. 162 Ohio State
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Noon ET – Ohio Stadium
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Ohio State is the clear favorite in this game, as the Buckeyes are getting odds of -27.5 points against FAU. The over/under total is listed at 63.5 points. The public betting currently has 82 percent going on Ohio State as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Day takes over Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes begin the Ryan Day-era this season, as Urban Meyer decided to step away as coach of OSU after last season. Ohio State went 13-1 last year and 8-1 in the Big Ten, claiming another conference title. The Buckeyes were 7-7 against the spread and 7-7 with the over/under total.
Ohio State was one of the most productive offenses in the nation last year with Day as OC. The Buckeyes averaged 42.4 points and 535.6 yards per game. This year, Ohio State has 13 starters back, but will be breaking in a new starting QB in Justin Fields. The Georgia transfer has a great running back behind him in J.K. Dobbins, who had 1,053 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. However, Ohio State has just one starter back on the offensive line and has new starters to break in at receiver. Defensively, Ohio State gave up 25.5 points and 403.4 yards per game last season. The Buckeyes have seven starters back on that unit, including five in the front seven.
Kiffin hoping for bounce-back season
Florida Atlantic didn’t have a great second year of the Lane Kiffin-era, as the Owls were just 5-7 overall and 3-5 in Conference USA. They were also just 4-8 against the spread while going 6-6 with the over/under total.
FAU is hoping for better results in 2019 thanks to an offense that returns six starters. FAU averaged 31.1 points and 478.8 yards per game last season. Chris Robison threw for 2,533 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018, but also had 12 interceptions. The team does lose a pair of backs that combined for over 2,200 rushing yards. However, the Owls do have a veteran offensive line this season. Defensively, Florida Atlantic gave up 31.8 points and 427.4 yards per game last season. The defense has five starters back this year.
College Football Betting Trends
Ohio State
Ohio State is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 home games and 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games.
Florida Atlantic
The Owls have failed to cover in four straight non-conference games and they are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.
Prediction:
Ohio State still has a lot of talent despite the loss of Urban Meyer and some key starters. The Buckeyes shouldn’t have a lot of issues scoring on the Owls. There could be some adjustments in the early going, but the Ohio State speed will win out eventually. I don’t see the Owls being able to contend with the Buckeyes in Columbus. This should be a lopsided win for Day and the Buckeyes.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Ohio State -27.5
Related: FAU vs. Ohio State Total Prediction