Florida Atlantic at South Alabama

I think Florida Atlantic is going to rise for the occasion in this one. The new kids on the block will provide inspiration, by not losing to the newly-elevated South Alabama Jaguars, playing their first season in the Sun Belt Conference. The Jaguars own just one win on the season, and that came against a non-FBS team in Nicholls State. Despite playing a team you have never heard of, the Jaguars managed just 9 points in that game, holding Nicholls to 3. In their other five games, the Jaguars have allowed 30+ points in each..  The oddsmakers are pretty bullish on this team for some reason, posting them as a favorite even though they have taken the doughnut against FBS teams. Granted, Florida Atlantic hasn't been much better at 1-5. Their lone win was also vs. a school outside the FBS, but getting points in a game you can win outright provides value. Florida Atlantic has stepped-up to play over the line after a loss, where they are 5-0 ATS. Since 2008, underdogs in this range (3.5 to 9.5 points) that have scored 14 or fewer points in back-to-back games are 52-25 (68%) ATS. The Owls won't want the embarrassment of being the first to lose to South Alabama, so an inspired effort here should get them the cover or win. Play on Florida Atlantic.