Tag: FAU Owls betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

FAU at Michigan State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s FAU at Michigan State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The FAU Owls and Michigan State Spartans open their 2024 NCAA football seasons at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Michigan State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Owls begin the 2nd season under coach Tom Herman, and they look to improve upon a 4-win campaign in 2023. FAU lost all-everything WR LaJohntay Wester to Colorado via the transfer portal, but it added an assortment of skill positions to fill the void. RB CJ Campbell Jr. comes in from Florida State to handle the backfield chores.

Former Marshall QB Cam Fancher was named as the starting signal-caller for the Owls, who need to step up after managing just 23.8 points per game last season. The FAU defense was above average, and one of the reasons FAU had 4 losses by one score. It wasn’t far off from contending.

For the Spartans, it’s a season of transition. Jonathan Smith takes over as coach, and he has QB Aidan Chiles following him from Oregon State. While the offense is in good hands, Michigan State lost 3 key defenders, DTs Simeon Barrow to Miami, Derrick Harmon to Oregon and S Jaden Mangham to Michigan, after spring practice to deal Sparty a huge blow.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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FAU at Michigan State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): FAU +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Michigan State -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): FAU +14 (-110) | Michigan State -14 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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FAU at Michigan State picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 26, FAU 13

Moneyline

Michigan State (-650) will set you back 6½ times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive for not enough reward.

The Spartans have so many questions, especially on the defensive side of the football. While FAU (+450) is rarely competitive in these Power 4 matchups, it has a lot of experience returning.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Take FAU +14 (-110) with the points, and even better if you’re able to find 14 and a hook at some point before kickoff.

The Owls have been outscored 91-17 in 3 previous meetings against the Spartans, but 2 of the losses were by 17 or fewer points. The closest pass was a neutral-site battle in Detroit when Michigan State won 30-17 Sept. 11, 2010.

Michigan State has a new regime, plenty of new faces and a change of scheme. It might take time to jell and get its sea legs.

Over/Under

The UNDER 45.5 (-115) might be the best play on the board.

Fancher, the Huber Heights, Ohio native, completed 65.6% of his passes for 2,162 yards, 11 TDs and 11 INTs in 2023 with Marshall while running for 273 yards and 4 TDs. While those numbers were nice, it might take time to get on track in his new landing spot with the Owls.

And, we covered how Michigan State is beginning a new era with Smith at the helm. While Sparty has some issues on D, the Owls have a decent defense. We should see the defense rule early in this game before the offenses start to settle in.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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March Madness: Northwestern vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Northwestern vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) and FAU Owls (25-8) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern lost 70-61 to No. 24 Wisconsin in its 1st game of the Big Ten Tournament, and the Wildcats are just 1-3 straight up (SU) in the past 4 games. On a positive note, 9th-seeded Northwestern is 10-4 against the spread (ATS) across the past 14 games since Jan. 24. The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 6 outings.

FAU is still smarting after falling 74-73 to Temple in the AAC Tournament semifinals as a 14-point favorite. It didn’t cost the Owls a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but it likely hurt its seeding. However, FAU is an 8-seed, which is its highest-ever seed in 3 all-time trips to the tournament. The Owls advanced to the Final Four last season as a 9-seed.

This is just the 2nd-ever meeting between these teams on the college hardwood. Northwestern won 69-59 in Evanston, Ill., on Nov. 21, 2005.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Northwestern vs. FAU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:02 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | FAU -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Northwestern +3.5 (-115) | FAU -3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 74, Northwestern 71

Moneyline

FAU (-165) is worth a play on the moneyline, if you want action on the game, but don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

Northwestern (+135) has dropped 3 of the past 4 games, although the past 2 are against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, including Michigan State, which has already advanced to the 2nd round.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +3.5 (-115) is worth playing in what could be a tight 8 vs. 9 game in Brooklyn to open Friday’s play.

FAU -3.5 (-105) opened as a 1.5-point favorite at most shops, and the money has come in on the Owls quite frequently, as a trip to the Final Four last season really caught the attention of the public.

The Owls will be without Tre Carroll, a key reserve, due to an elbow injury. However, the Wildcats are also dealing with an injury, as C Matthew Nicholson is out indefinitely due to a leg ailment.

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Over/Under

OVER 142.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Wildcats averaged just 74.1 PPG this season, which was rather middle of the road, as far as the rest of the country is concerned. And Northwestern allows 69.0 PPG, which is pretty good defensively, although it allowed the opposition to hit 35.5% from behind the 3-point line, and that’s a concern.

The Owls cashed the Over in both games of the AAC Tournament, and the total has gone high in 4 straight outings. FAU averaged 83.0 PPG in the regular season, and it hits triples at a 36.2% rate.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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College Sports Wire: Men’s hoops / Women’s hoops / High School

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AAC Tournament: Temple vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Temple vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Temple Owls (15-19) and FAU Owls (25-7) meet in an American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament semifinal Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Temple vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 11th-seeded Temple Owls struggled in the regular season, but they have caught fire in Fort Worth. The Owls have ousted UTSA, SMU and Charlotte, while getting fitted for Cinderella’s slipper. Now, Temple is trying to win the Battle of Owls, picking up the biggest upset yet.

The 2nd-seeded FAU Owls held off North Texas Friday, winning 77-71 to cover as 5.5-point favorites in most shops as the Over (137) cashed. FAU has won 4 in a row while covering the past 3 outings. The Over has hit in each of the past 3 games, too.

FAU topped Temple 80-68 Feb. 15 in Boca Raton in the only regular-season meeting while failing to cover as a 20-point favorite. The Under (148.5) cashed in that battle, too.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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Temple vs. FAU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Temple +725 (bet $100 to win $725) | FAU -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Temple +13.5 (-110) | FAU -13.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Temple vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 74, Temple 65

Moneyline

It wouldn’t be worth betting FAU (-1200).

PASS. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

TEMPLE +13.5 (-110) will see Cinderella’s slipper shatter Saturday, as the improbable run in the AAC Tournament comes to an end. But the underdog Owls will hang on for the cover against the Owls of FAU -13.5 (-110).

FAU has covered the past 3 games, but it struggled as a double-digit favorite this season. FAU is just 2-7 ATS in the past 9 games when favored by 10 or more points.

On the flip side, Temple has covered 4 in a row, all as an underdog, and 9 of the past 12 games dating back to Feb. 8.

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Over/Under

UNDER 142.5 (-115) is the lean, but play a half-unit at the most.

The Over cashed in the final 3 games of the regular season for Temple, but the Under has hit in all 3 contests in the AAC Tournament. The Under also cashed in the only regular-season meeting with FAU Feb. 15.

FAU cashed the Over against North Texas Friday, but the Under has a slight 7-6 advantage in the past 13 outings.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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FAU at Charlotte odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s FAU at Charlotte odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The FAU Owls (3-4, 2-1 AAC) and Charlotte 49ers (2-5, 1-2) meet Friday at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Charlotte odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Owls appeared to be turning a corner with back-to-back wins over Tulsa and South Florida, including a 56-14 win in Tampa against the rival Bulls on Oct. 14 as 2.5-point underdogs. However, FAU returned home last Saturday and got worked over by UTSA 36-10, coming nowhere near covering as 2.5-point ‘dogs as the Under (59) hit. The 10 points matched a season low in offensive production.

The 49ers picked up the 1st AAC win in school history with a 10-7 win at East Carolina in a battle of teams with a winless conference record. Despite the win, Charlotte has still cobbled together just 33 total points of offense across the past 4 outings, and it’s no surprise the Under is 4-0 in that span.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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FAU at Charlotte odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:31 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): FAU -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Charlotte +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Against the spread (ATS): FAU -3.5 (-115) | Charlotte +3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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FAU at Charlotte picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 30, Charlotte 12

Moneyline

FAU (-165) suffered a big blow early in the season when QB Casey Thompson went down with a torn ACL at Clemson. QB Daniel Richardson, the former Central Michigan recruit, has taken over and done a decent job at times. He has the accomplished WR LaJohntay Wester, who leads the AAC with 66 receptions, and a solid run game featuring RB Larry McCammon III.

Charlotte (+140) just doesn’t have the offensive horses to compete with an FAU team littered with skill position talent.

Against the spread

FAU -3.5 (-115) isn’t a bad play, although be careful with the Owls. They’ve been a bit Jekyll and Hyde this season. No one expected them to throttle USF by 42 points, but they no one expected a 26-point loss at home to UTSA, either. You never know what you’re going to get with Tom Herman’s team this season. On paper, they’re easily more skilled at nearly every spot on the field than their counterparts.

Over/Under

UNDER 43.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly. The last time FAU hit the road it dropped 56 points on USF in Tampa. However, Charlotte can’t get out of its own way on offense, and it has averaged just 8.3 PPG in the past 4 outings, cashing the Under in all games. FAU will have to do most of the heavy lifting to get to an Over, and the Charlotte defense is actually pretty good, keeping the 49ers in most games.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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FAU at Clemson odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FAU at Clemson odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The FAU Owls (1-1) and the Clemson Tigers (1-1) meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Clemson odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Owls opened the season with a solid 42-20 victory over FCS Monmouth, although FAU failed to cover the 25.5-point spread. It played its 1st FBS opponent of the season last Saturday, and the Owls laid an egg, falling 17-10 to the Ohio Bobcats, as the offense really struggled.

The Tigers were stunned on Labor Day night by a 28-7 count at Duke as the Under (54.5) connected. Clemson rebounded at home against Charleston Southern of the FCS by a 66-17 score, just missing the cover as a 52-point favorite while it took care of the Over (55) on its own.

Clemson is No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

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FAU at Clemson odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:46 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): FAU +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200) | Clemson -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): FAU +25.5 (-115) | Clemson -25.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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FAU at Clemson picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 45, FAU 17

Moneyline

Clemson (-3000) will cost you 30 times your potential return, and obviously that’s just not the way to go. Betting overwhelming favorites seems like a good idea, but eventually it catches up to you, with one big upset ruining several wins.

PASS.

Against the spread

CLEMSON -25.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly at home.

The Duke upset is still fresh in bettors’ minds, but the Tigers looks sharp rolling up 66 points on Charleston Southern, even if it was just an FCS opponent.

FAU +25.5 (-115) really struggled on offense last week against a mediocre Ohio team, and any idea of an upset, or even a close game, at Clemson went right out the window.

Over/Under

OVER 51.5 (-115) might be the best play on the board.

Clemson’s offense looked sharp last week, and FAU proved it can move the ball against Monmouth, with former Texas and Nebraska QB Casey Thompson looking sharp. If he and the Owls can regain that offensive form in this difficult road trip, the Over is a slam-dunk play. Even so, Clemson should do enough on offense to need very little help from FAU to get the Over across the finish line.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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March Madness: FAU vs. San Diego State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FAU vs. San Diego State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 9th-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls (35-3) and No. 5 San Diego State Aztecs (31-6) clash in a national semifinal Saturday in Houston. The battle at NRG Stadium will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. San Diego State odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

FAU is No. 25 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Owls have advanced to the Final Four with 4 wins. Two of those — against Memphis and No. 13 Kansas State — were by a combined 4 points. The Conference USA champs tote an 11-game win streak into this game.

The 18th-ranked Aztecs are a defensive-minded team on a roll. Across 3 Mountain West Conference Tournament wins and 4 NCAA Tournament triumphs, San Diego State have held opponents to 56.6 points per game on a shooting mark of 35.2%.

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FAU vs. San Diego State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:36 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FAU +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | San Diego State -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): FAU +2.5 (-110) | San Diego State -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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FAU vs. San Diego State picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 69, FAU 65

Moneyline

The Aztecs have played a much tougher slate this season, and a breakdown of their schedule reveals their they have played an offense-skewed collection of opponents. And that speaks even more highly of SDSU’s tenacious defense.

Peg the Owls as being over-reliant on 3s, and in this one they are up against an SDSU team that ranks 2nd in the nation in defending the perimeter (27.8%).

The Aztecs’ offensive rebounding has been stronger over recent weeks. They figure to get to the line more in this matchup, and they are worthy of a probability number of 60% or perhaps a click higher.

BACK SAN DIEGO STATE (-145).

Against the spread

SDSU has won 6 straight ATS. But peg the Moneyline offering slightly better value here. PASS, unless the price on -2.5 falls below -110.

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Over/Under

This matchup features slow-tempo San Diego State and mid-paced FAU. Both teams have been quite efficient on defense. And this number reflects all of that. AVOID.

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March Madness: FAU vs. Tennessee odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s FAU vs. Tennessee odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 9th-seeded FAU Owls (33-3) and 4th-seeded Tennessee Volunteers (25-10) meet Thursday in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip from Madison Square Garden in Manhattan is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Tennessee odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Owls play in Madison Square Garden for the 1st time in school history and it its 1st Sweet 16. In fact, prior to this season, Florida Atlantic was 0-1 straight-up (SU) and 1-0 against the spread (ATS) in its only tournament appearance, falling to Alabama in 2002.

FAU’s Johnell Davis scored 29 points with 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals to become the 1st player in men’s NCAA Tournament history to go for 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 5+ steals in a single game.

The Owls have rattled off 9 straight wins, and its 33 victories ties Houston for the most in college basketball this season. It is also 6-3 ATS during the 9-game run since Feb. 16, a loss at Middle Tennessee.

Tennessee returns to the Sweet 16 for the 1st time since 2019 when it lost to Purdue in overtime. The Vols are 1-7 SU all-time in the Sweet 16 round.

The Vols won 65-52 and covered against Duke as 3-point underdogs. The Under has cashed in both tournament games for Tennessee. The Vols limited Duke to 43% (21 of 49) from the field, and 27% (6 of 22) from downtown.

Tennessee’s defense ranked 3rd in the nation during the regular season  allowing just 57.8 points per game, while ranking 1st overall in defensive FG percentage (36.4%) and defensive 3-point percentage (25.5%).

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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FAU vs. Tennessee odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:28 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): FAU +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Tennessee -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): FAU +5.5 (-112) | Tennessee -5.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

FAU vs. Tennessee picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 67, FAU 59

Moneyline

Tennessee (-230) will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive as a long-term betting strategy. Even including the Vols in a multi-team parlay sucks all of the value out of your ticket.

PASS, and look to the spread instead.

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Against the spread

TENNESSEE -5.5 (-108) is the much better play. In fact, it’s surprising that this line has remained so low.

FAU +5.5 (-112) is unproven, and while it has been a great story making the Sweet 16, the trip ends in MSG on Thursday. And there is no shame in that, as Tennessee is a good team. The experience of coach Rick Barnes, and the defensive tenacity of the Vols, wins out over the youth and exuberance of the Owls.

Over/Under

The UNDER 129.5 (-110) is the play.

At times, FAU had difficulty solving the press of Fairleigh Dickinson in the 2nd round. The Knights were the smallest team in the country, and pale in comparison to the type of pressure the Vols bring.

This team has made multiple teams look bad with a tenacious brand of defense. They’ll keep the Owls down, especially since FAU likes to shoot the triple, and the Tennessee perimeter defense is top notch.

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March Madness: Fairleigh Dickinson vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Fairleigh Dickinson vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (21-15) and 9th-seeded FAU Owls (32-3) meet Sunday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip from Nationwide Arena in Columbus is scheduled for approximately 7:45 p.m. ET (truTV). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Fairleigh Dickinson vs. FAU odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Knights joined a very exclusive club Saturday, becoming just the 2nd 16th-seeded team to bump a No. 1 seed in the men’s tournament. FDU entered as a 23.5-point underdog against Purdue, but it covered wire-to-wire. F Sean Moore led 3 scorers that reached double digits for the Knights with 19 points, and he added 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

FDU shot just 39% (24 of 62) from the floor, but it hit 80% (8 of 10) from the free-throw line and turned it over just 8 times. Despite being the smallest team in the NCAA Tournament, the Knights were actually outrebounded just 36-to-28, which is impressive against a Purdue team that sported 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey.

The Owls are in the NCAA Tournament for just the 2nd time ever and picked up their first win in the Big Dance in school history when they topped 8th-seeded Memphis 66-65. It was a thriller with plenty of back-and-forth scoring with ties and lead changes. FAU was a 1.5-point underdog and the Under (151) cashed.

FAU F Giancarlo Rosado tied a career-high with 15 points off the bench, while the Owls had 4 different scorers in double figures. Leading scorer G Johnell Davis was just 4 of 12 from the field, finishing with 12 points, and 2nd-leading scorer G Alijah Martin misfired on 10-of-13 field-goal attempts, and FAU still advanced, which is a good sign.

The Owls were just 29% (8 of 28) from behind the arc despite that they hit 36.9% from behind the arc during the season (40th). FAU allowed just 65.0 points per game (41st) on a 40.3% opponent’s field-goal percentage (19th) during the regular season

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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Fairleigh Dickinson vs. FAU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:17 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Fairleigh Dickinson +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | FAU -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Fairleigh Dickinson +15.5 (-110) | FAU -15.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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[afflinkbutton text=”Watch FDU vs. FAU” link=”https://sling-tv.pxf.io/5gaDB3″]

Fairleigh Dickinson vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 79, Fairleigh Dickinson 67

Moneyline

FAU (-1200) will cost you 12 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive for a singular bet or even as a part of a multi-team parlay. Using FAU as part of a parlay ticket sucks all of the value out of the ticket.

AVOID.

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Against the spread

BET FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON +15.5 (-110), as it is playing with a lot of confidence. It was able to upend Purdue, a team with tremendous size in the frontcourt. That won’t be necessary against FAU, as the Owls are the 2nd-smallest team in the NCAA Tournament behind FDU. The Knights will match up well against the Conference USA representative.

This line opened at +12.5 and quickly moved several points, as the money spilled in on the Owls. This line is likely to move back down before tip, but get as many points as you can. FAU is just 3-4 ATS in the past 7 games as a double-digit favorite.

Over/Under

The UNDER 148.5 (-112) is worth playing between these 2 quick upstarts, but go with a half-unit play at most.

While these teams will both be looking to break out and run, using their quick backcourts to pop out for plenty of perimeter opportunities, you can’t help but worry about nerves.

FAU is 1-1 all-time in the NCAA Tournament, and FDU is 3-6 all-time in the Big Dance. Neither team has ever advanced past the second round, so we might see a slow start and some tightness on both sides, as the stage is as big as its ever been for both.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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March Madness: FAU vs. Memphis odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s FAU vs. Memphis odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 9th-seeded FAU Owls (31-3) meet the 8th-seeded Memphis Tigers (26-8) Friday for a first-round East Region game in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Nationwide Arena in Columbus is scheduled for approximately 9:20 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Memphis odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Owls rolled past UAB in the Conference USA championship game Saturday by a 78-56 score, cashing as 2-point underdogs. FAU used defense to lock down the rest of the league, allowing just 57.3 points per game in 3 games in the league tourney.

This is FAU’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2002 when it was a 15-seed. It ended up covering against Alabama in an 8-point loss.

The Tigers caught fire in the AAC Tournament, winning games against UCF, Tulane and Houston. The final 2 games were victories by 10 or more points. Memphis is an impressive 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games overall, and 6-2 ATS across the past 8 contests.

Memphis has a rich basketball history, and the Tigers have won at least 1 game in each of their last 10 NCAA Tournament appearances dating back to 2003.

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FAU vs. Memphis odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): FAU +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Memphis -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: FAU +1.5 (-110) | Memphis -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

FAU vs. Memphis picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 77, FAU 72

Moneyline

MEMPHIS (-125) is a solid moderate favorite worth playing if you don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

FAU is a tough matchup for the Tigers, as it lost just 3 games all season. The Owls are tied with Charleston and Houston with 31 wins, the most victories in college hoops. FAU went 2-1 in Quad 1 wins, too, so it won’t be a pushover.

However, Memphis posted 4 Q1 wins, while managing to avoid bad losses all season. This game is going to be super close, but in the end, G Kendric Davis and F DeAndre Williams will be too much for the Owls to handle

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Against the spread

MEMPHIS -1.5 (-110) is worth a look, going 4-1 ATS in the past 5 games and cashing in 5 of the past 6 outings on a neutral floor. Memphis has covered 5 of its last 7 games against winning teams, too.

FAU has cashed 5 of the past 7 games overall, but it doesn’t have nearly the same postseason experience as Memphis, and that will be the difference here in a very entertaining game.

Over/Under

UNDER 152.5 (-105) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under is 18-7-1 in the past 26 games for FAU on a neutral floor and 5-2 in the past 7 appearances in the NCAA Tournament for Memphis. The Under is 6-1 in the past 7 games for the Tigers against teams with a winning overall record, too.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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Conference USA Tournament: UAB vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UAB vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3-seed UAB Blazers (25-8) face the 1-seed FAU Owls (30-3) Saturday in the Conference USA Tournament championship game with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line. Tip from Ford Center At The Star in Frisco, Texas, is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the UAB vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

UAB showed Rice the door in the C-USA quarterfinals Thursday by an 87-60 count as a 14.5-point favorite as the Under (155.5) cashed. The Blazers then topped North Texas 76-69 Friday to punch their ticket to the title game as the Over (126.5) connected.

FAU blasted Western Kentucky 75-51 Thursday in the quarters to easily cover a 10.5-point number. However, the Owls had a scare put into them by Middle Tennessee Friday, needing late free throws to escape with a 68-65 victory as 10.5-point favorites. The Under connected in both games.

FAU edged UAB 88-86 in Boca Raton on Jan. 5 as the Over (150.5) easily cashed, while the Blazers dumped the Owls 86-77 in Birmingham on Feb. 2 in another game which saw the Over (146) comfortably connect.

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UAB vs. FAU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): UAB -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | FAU +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread (ATS): UAB -2.5 (-105) | FAU -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Can you survive? USA TODAY Sports’ Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pools are here with a $5,000 prize for each contest! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

UAB vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

UAB 81, FAU 78

Moneyline

UAB (-135) has the offense to deny the top seed the automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament. The Blazers scored 86 points in each of the 2 meetings with the Owls this season, and there is no reason to believe they’ll slow down in the title game.

FAU is looking to make the NCAA Tournament for just the 2nd time in school history, and it should still be OK, even if it falls in this one.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Against the spread

UAB -2.5 (-105) has been on fire against the number, going 6-2 ATS across the past 8 games, and is an okay play if you like the better value. It also went 1-0-1 ATS in the 2 meetings with FAU this season.

It’s likely to be a game that comes right down to the end, but playing the UAB moneyline is a much better option than risking the points in what should be a tight affair.

Over/Under

OVER 148.5 (-110) is the best play on the board.

UAB has racked up 82.2 points per game to rank 9th in the country and allows 71.0 points per game — tied for 198th in the nation.

FAU averages 79.3 points per game (27th) and it ranks 19th in the country by hitting 37.8% from behind the 3-point line. We should see plenty of offensive fireworks with these potent offenses Saturday.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

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