posted December 20, 2007 at 17:53 in NCAA F Articles

In this season’s R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the Memphis Tigers will rely on their quarterback to try and keep up with a talented offense for Florida Atlantic. The oddsmakers aren’t giving the Owls a massive advantage over the Tigers, but we here at BetUS.com can give you the upper hand when it comes to this bowl season. Is the Florida Atlantic defense to keep Hankins off the scoreboard and let their offense do the talking?

Florida Atlantic Offense vs. Memphis Defense

The Owls have a strong rushing attack that is motored by Charlie Pierre, a stout runner who averages a proud 4.6 yards per carry. The Tigers give up 209.8 rushing yards per game, so Pierre will have a filed day against this weak front-seven.

Quarterback Rusty Smith has been polished in his decision making and on-field play, throwing 27 touchdowns with only seven picks. Cortez Gent, his leading receiver, doesn’t have anyone to fear in the Memphis secondary so expect a strong and efficient performance from the Owls offense as they clip a Tiger’s defense that has allowed an average of 31.3 points to very weak opponents.

Memphis Offense vs. Florida Atlantic Defense

Quarterback Martin Hankins has been sensational this season, leading the Tigers passing assault to 307.8 passing yards per game. The twenty-three year-old senior has 2,939 yards this season and 22 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions in tow. The Florida Atlantic secondary has been suspect all season, averaging 237.6 yards against through the air.

The two saving graces for the Florida Atlantic defense is its stifling rush defense, which only allows 179.5 rushing yards per game, and its incredible turnover rating. The Owl defense is the most prolific turnover defense with a +19 rating. It will be tough, however, for the front-seven to get past a strong front-line that protects Hankins like he’s the Holy Grail. Hankins will remain upright long enough to do some damage against this defense, but the Owls will make the Tigers one-dimensional.

NCAA College Football Betting Trends

-Florida Atlantic is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

-Totals has gone OVER in 5 of Florida Atlantic’s last 5 games

-Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Final Verdict

Memphis’ quarterback Hankins will shine despite the piss-poor Memphis offense which surrounds him. He will do enough damage to keep the Tiger’s in the game, but the Owls are simply going to torment the Tigers with a balanced offensive attack that will be too much for them to handle. In what will be a high scoring affair, the Florida Atlantic Owls will cap off a strong season with a victory in the New Orleans Bowl.

Florida Atlantic Owls (7-5) vs. Memphis Tigers (7-5)

Friday, December 21st --- Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans --- 8:00pm EST

Opening NCAA Football Line: Florida Atlantic -2 (68)

NCAA Football Free Pick: Florida Atlantic 34 Memphis 28

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