Miami vs. FAU Prediction, Game Preview
Miami vs. FAU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the South Florida showdown between the Hurricanes and Owls in Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami vs. FAU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the South Florida showdown between the Hurricanes and Owls in Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami vs. FAU Game Preview
The Owls defeated Southern Illinois 38-30 in their season opener, as Jason Driskel passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another—a two-yard run on fourth-and-goal—to help FAU score 17 consecutive points in the second half. Gregory Howell Jr. helped the cause by rushing for two touchdowns and 128 yards. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes rode Brad Kaaya’s four touchdown passes to a 70-3 victory over Florida A&M in Mark Richt’s head-coaching debut with the ‘Canes. The U scored a school-record 42 points in the third quarter, as three backs—Joe Yearby, Mark Walton and Gus Edwards—all went over the 100-yard mark.
What To Know About FAU
The Owls entered the new season needing to drastically improve their offense after averaging just 22.5 points per game last fall. Travis Trickett was brought in from Samford, where he excelled as OC. FAU was bitten by close losses last season, including a 20-14 overtime setback to Florida in Gainesville. But Charlie Partridge returned a boatload of starters, and there is optimism in Boca Raton that FAU could go bowling for the first time since 2008. This game against the ‘Canes is a no-lose situation for the Owls, but it certainly is a measuring stick.
What to Know About Miami
Advantages
Offense: Miami. The ‘Canes are loaded on offense, and NFL scouts love Kaaya.
Defense: Miami. The ‘Canes are expected to make a leap under new coordinator Manny Diaz.
Special Teams: Miami. Miami’s special teams play was one of the strongest in the ACC in ’15.
Coaching: Miami. Richt’s hire was great for a program that has been stuck in mediocrity.
Intangibles: Miami. The ‘Canes seem to be regaining their swagger slowly but surely, and that’s bad news for the Owls.
Matchup To Watch
Driskel vs. the Miami 4-3
The ‘Canes switched over from the 3-4 they employed under Al Golden to a 4-3 scheme that they will run under Diaz. The U finished No. 105 in tackles for loss last season, so Diaz is looking to mold a more explosive unit. FAU’s offense should improve, but it’s a lot to ask of the Owls’ offense to do a whole lot against the ‘Canes in just their second game.
Betting Odds
Spread: Miami -16.5
Over/Under: 58
Miami vs. FAU Prediction
Trickett’s Samford team averaged 34.6 points per game and 479.7 yards per game last season, so his scheme works. The problem is that this new offense will be facing an improved ‘Canes defense in just the second game of the year. The Owls will give Kaaya and the Miami offense a little trouble, and end Trey Hendrickson had 13.5 sacks last season. But this is a Miami team that is sharper than the ’15 version, and that team beat FAU 44-20.
Miami vs. FAU Score Prediction: Miami 45, Florida Atlantic 24
