2009 Florida Atlantic Owls Predictions
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-3)
Coach: Howard Schnellenberger, 9th year (46-48 at Florida Atlantic, 148-125-3 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darryl Jackson (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Kirk Hoza (1st year)
Returning Starters: 10, (6 offense, 3 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Rusty Smith)

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Offense: The Owls returns six starters on offense, including senior QB Rusty Smith (6-5, 212). Smith threw for 3,224 yards and 24 TDs last year though he needs to cut down on the interceptions (14) and improve the completion percentage (53.8). Smith’s favorite target returns in Cortez Gent (6-2, 170), who caught 60 passes for 935 yards and nine TDs. Senior TE Jamari Grant (45 receptions) is also back, but he’s listed second on the depth chart behind senior Jason Harmon (6-3, 215). Harmon was coming off a torn ACL last spring, after catching 63 passes and five TDs in 2007.At running back, they need to replace Charles Pierre, a 1,000-yard rusher last season. Sophomore Alfred Morris (5-11, 222) moves from fullback to tailback. He had just seven carries as a freshman, but ran for 131 yards on 18 carries in the spring. Up front, senior LG David Matlock (6-3, 290) is the only returning starter. The offense will go as far as the line takes them.

Defense: The defense returns three starters from a unit that gave up 28.7ppg (81st in the nation) and 400.4 yards per game (92nd). Senior Josh Savidge (6-2, 285) is the only returning starter from the line and junior Dino Cox (6-3, 240), though undersized, did have one start at tackle last year. The Owls have three new starters at linebacker. Senior Edward Bradwell (6-1, 200) had the most experience last year with 41 tackles and a sack. In the secondary, they return two starters including sophomore Tarvoris Hill. Junior FS Ed Alexander (6-1, 171) led the team with three interceptions last year.

Outlook: The Owls take on Nebraska and South Carolina on the road to start the season. They also take on UAB on the road and Wyoming at home in their non-conference schedule. They have a tough roadie against Troy in late November and will also host Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee. The Owls have some talent, especially at the skill positions but the holes and lack of experience on defense will cost them.

This Sun Belt conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com

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