Getty Gallery: 3/6
No. 4 FAU Covers +21 Spread Over Oklahoma
FAU is no longer flying under the radar thanks to Lane Kiffin turning around the program last season. If DeAndre Johnson can hold onto the starting quarterback position, it is a good sign for the Owls. You may remember Johnson from his time at Florida State, as well as starring on the Netflix show Last Chance U. Johnson was a highly anticipated transfer last season, but blood cots kept him out for most of the season. Johnson's dual-threat capabilities combined with Kiffin's offense could be a lethal combination.
The Owls also have one of the top running backs in the country in Devin Singletary, who scored a gaudy 32 touchdowns last season. Singletary rushed for 1,920 yards, and gives FAU a bowling ball in the backfield. In addition to Singletary, Johnson has some solid receiving weapons with receiver Deandre McNeal along with tight end Harrison Bryant, who should see an increased role in the offense this season.
As for Oklahoma, the Sooners return plenty of weapons, but are missing the one that matters most. Heisman trophy winner Baker Mayfield is now with the Browns, and the Sooners look to replace him at quarterback with Kyler Murray. Murray's speed does give Oklahoma more of a dual threat, but Murray is not the passer that Mayfield was. The OddsShark computer not only likes FAU to cover, but is picking the Owls to win outright. The computer is projecting a 44.8-42.6 FAU victory.
I'm not as optimistic FAU will win the game, but I do think they cover the large spread. With the point total at 68, the over is also a really nice play in this matchup. Oklahoma's running back duo of Rodney Anderson and Trey Sermon is one of the best in the country. Their presence should help ease Murray's transition. It also gives Oklahoma the opportunity to run the read option and other offensive plays that take advantage of having a mobile quarterback. That said, FAU has enough speed on defense to not be overwhelmed by Oklahoma. I just don't see them having enough to pull off a complete upset, but like Kiffin's Owls against the spread. Kiffin understands the magnitude of this matchup for an upstart program like FAU.
"This is different than the normal game — like when we were at Alabama playing a Group of 5, when there is no buildup," Kiffin said per OU Daily. "This one seems to have a lot of buildup — national television, we're on a 10-game win streak, so I don't think there's any way they're going to overlook us."