Florida Atlantic Owls vs Florida Gators Point Spread Picks

Florida Atlantic is off a 5-4 season, working in a new quarterback so they'll be looking to run the football. But that matchup won't work against a Florida defense and linebacking corps that is outstanding even for the SEC. Florida Atlantic got shut down by No. 22 Marshall last season scoring 9 points and allowed 45 to Southern Miss. The previous season, they opened against and got drubbed by Ohio State (45-21) and UCF (48-14). Florida coach Dan Mullen has the speed in the backfield that will have his usual strong running game clicking and he is 44-26 ATS in Saturday home games. Play Florida.

The Florida Gators have been a surprise team in the SEC this season at 9-1, and as winners of the SEC East, they have earned the right to take on the West winner for the SEC Championship. The Gators could fight their way into the playoffs if they run the table. It has been all about defense for Florida, allowing just 4.4 yards per play on the season. The Gators have a free pass here, as they are going to win this game, and I seriously doubt the mindset here is going to be strong with Florida State on deck, and a likely encounter with Alabama for the SEC Championship to follow. The Gators have scored 28 points or less in each of their last five games. If the Gators were focused here, they certainly could produce enough to cover this line, but starters are not likely to be around long, so the dog looks good here. Take the bushel of points and back Florida Atlantic.

Teams with new coaching staffs like to put on a show in home openers to impress their new fans. For this game, Florida starts in the Swamp with new coach Will Muschamp, who spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator at Texas, and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who adds a pro-style attack. Both those coaches are fiery, aggressive men who like to holler and display emotion. They will be all over their new players for this one. That’s bad news for a Florida Atlantic team off a 4-8 season, losing to Michigan State (30-17) and Texas (51-17) in step-up games. Coach Howard Schnellenberg's squad averaged 208 yards passing, but only 16.8 points per contest as QB Jeff Van Camp (17 TDs, 13 INTs) was sacked 34 times and under pressure too often. He's gone, so junior QBs David Kooi and Graham Wilbert (0 TDs, 1 INT, 41 yards) are battling each other. And there’s no doubt Muschamp will unleash the blitz on defense, which is what his specialty is, while Weis will be able to get his offensive players tested in his pro-style attack and new playbook. The Florida Atlantic Owls are 6-17 ATS in their last 23 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater. Florida is loaded with talent, 38-6 SU, 23-17 ATS at home in the Swamp the last six years and the Gators are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 non-conference games. Play Florida.