Slow Sports Betting Tuesday

With nothing going on the next two days in sports, here is a preview I wrote for Tuesday night's Sun Belt contest.

Coming off a conference championship season and a New Orleans Bowl romp of Memphis, this was supposed to be a banner campaign for Florida Atlantic with 18 returning starters. Instead the weight of another imposing non-conference schedule has proven too much to bare and carried over into Sun Belt action for the Owls. Playing their fourth road contest last week, the Owls controlled Middle Tennessee State 13-0 in the latter stage of the fourth quarter. However, because of four turnovers by Florida Atlantic, the Blue Raiders had one last chance and connected on a 32-yard Hail Mary pass and kicked the extra point with no time on the clock to come away with a kick in the gut 14-13 victory.

Heading into a big showdown Tuesday against Sun Belt Conference title-contender Troy, coach Howard Schnellenberger was still miffed days later about the improbable loss. So Schnellenberger laid into his team during a pre-practice gathering Thursday at the school's practice facility. "I've chewed a lot of football teams out but this is the first time I felt that it was my responsibility to take the hard line (at FAU)," Schnellenberger said. "This is what they needed. They're grown men now. They have enough ability to win and we didn't."

The Owls are at least pleased to be back home and this is critical contest if they are looking to repeat as Sun Belt champs. Florida Atlantic is not in the best position, being 3-7 ATS off a conference loss. Quarterback Rusty Smith is really sputtering. The junior has been projected as NFL draft choice, yet has not thrown a touchdown pass in three games and been intercepted six times after throwing nine all of last season.

The FAU run defense will have to come up big. Last week they held M.T.S. to 55 yards, which is not as imposing as it sounds with the Blue Raiders 118th in the country at 66.4 yards per game. Troy averages 180 yards a game on the ground and is balanced offensively throwing for 262 yards a contest.

Troy’s sophomore quarterback Jamie Hampton has made some mistakes, but has rewarded coach Larry Blakeney by making big plays with his arm and legs. He had passed for more than 900 yards and nine touchdowns and also has shown the ability to hurt opponents running the ball. The Trojans are averaging 442 yards a game against opponents that have allowed 405 YPG.

The Troy defense is solid at linebacker with Boris Lee and Bear Woods, who are having all-conference type seasons, nevertheless, the strength of the Trojans defense is the secondary, ranking 17th in the country at 160.2 yards allowed and only 5.9 yards per attempt. This is a big plus against what could be crisp FAU pass attack.

Troy will also have revenge on their minds, having lost in the final game of last season to Florida Atlantic 38-32, as 16-point home favorites to cost them conference title and bowl game. Knocking the Owls out of contention would be sweet redemption.
Bookmaker.com has Troy as 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 51. The Trojans are 5-1 ATS in this role in conference the last three seasons, including starting the year with a winner at Mid. Tenn. State 31-17 as a six-point choice. Florida Atlantic is 9-5 ATS as a single digit underdog and 2-2 against the spread as home underdog since linemakers started listing their games in 2004.

Look for the team that can capitalize on mistakes to come out the winner. FAU has committed 10 turnovers in last three games and Troy has 13 miscues on the year. ESPN2 will have the broadcast commencing at 8 Eastern with Troy 4-1 and 3-1 ATS versus the Owls.

One other bit of information to consider, Troy is 1-5 ATS in revenge games if opponent is off two or more straight losses.