In what should be one of the most exciting bowl games of this holiday season, the Florida Atlantic Owls and their tough defense will look to cover the college bowl betting spreads that has them favored by almost a field goal. It will be a test of wills that could very well turn on a turnover, as both offenses have the firepower to push the other team all game long.

Florida Atlantic Owls –2.5 vs. Memphis Tigers +2.5 Betting Odds

The Owls offense has been potent this season, thanks in large part to the rise of sophomore quarterback Rusty Smith and anchored by an experienced offensive line, which has enabled an improved running game led by running back Charles Pierre. Pierre is of average size, but is very strong; he averages 4.6 yards per carry and could spell much trouble for a Tigers defense that is ranked in the bottom 20 versus the rushing game this season.

Contributing the troubles on the Tigers defense is the fact that inside linebacker Jake Kasser – although he is the leader – is the only one of the three linebackers that started the season. The others have suffered season-ending injuries and their replacements are young and have little experience. The pressure to remain stout in the face of the Owls rushing attack will be high and the task not easy. They will receive some support from DS Brandon Peterson, who will come up and add to his 71 tackles on the year.

New Orleans Bowl @ Louisiana Superdome: 8 PM, Friday, December 21, 2007

If the running attack of the Owls does not give the Memphis Tigers enough fits, the passing game certainly will, as Smith’s numbers have been very good this year. He has thrown just seven INTs to along with his 27 TDs, and he has thrown for 3,352 yards. He has become very proficient at managing the game and he had a receiving corps bursting with speed.

 Cortez Gent has more than 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and TE Jason Harmon has added good production as well. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Tigers will likely have to bring Patterson up to help on run support. When this happens, a good read by Smith will likely put the Florida Atlantic Owls in prime position for a huge play downfield.

What the Memphis Tigers – and their NCAA football betting backers – hope does not happen is for the game to come down to a necessary kick by PK Matt Reagan. He has connected on just 15 of 22 on the season, and none from beyond 40 yards out.

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