The Florida Atlantic Owls storm into Dowdy-Ficklen stadium Thursday night to take on the East Carolina Pirates (Come on, got to make it sound good).  The Owls take a step up in class this year as the winds of change in College Football have sent them packing their bags from the Sun Belt to greener pastures in C-USA.

Line:

East Carolina -20 1/2 O/U 54

Trends to Watch:

We don’t give a hoot: The Owls are 7-0 ATS in their 7 road games

Conference Games = Offense: The Owls have gone Over in their last 5 conference games

The Monarch’s? Really?

How does one celebrate the home opener if you are ECU? Hopefully by studying game film on how the Pirates managed to give up 38 points at home to the newest baby of FBS football.  The Old Dominion Monarch’s managed to throw for over 350 yards and added another 90 on the ground in this contest.  In fact, the game was still very much in doubt until the fourth quarter.  Word on the street was this ECU defense was going to improve leaps and bounds over last year’s effort, but this performance leaves us wondering.

Ruffin’s Raid:

Same old ECU. QB Shane Carden was beyond terrific against the Monarch’s throwing for nearly 450 yards on a 46/54. Meanwhile, superstar wide receiver Justin Hardy was the largest beneficiary, hauling in 16 catches for 191 yards. The ground game left much to be desired, as RB Vintavious Cooper was only afforded 12 carries in this game. The times they are certainly not changing for Ruffin and his Air Raid offense.

East Carolina WR Justin Hardy

Owls Grounded:

In fairness to the Owls, they did not draw the Monarch’s in week 1, and instead had to endure 4 quarters of shameful football against the superior Miami Hurricanes. What we did get out of the Owls in this one was a commitment to the ground game.  The Owls ran the ball 43 times compared to 32 passing attempts. Great game plan by Polini in this one, because that plan resulted in a huge dog cover against the ‘Canes.

T.V. Time:

For FAU, welcome to your Super Bowl.  A nationally televised game on Thursday night will surely get the blood boiling for the Owls. This is their opportunity to show the nation (not watching the NFL), what they are made of. Do not underestimate this angle as it provides the team with national exposure for recruiting purposes. The Owls will put forth their best effort in a game their loved ones can watch on TV, instead of streaming on the internet. Finally, a chance to use those love seats and spread the family out.

What to Expect:

If ECU’s week one performance was any indication of what is to come in 2013 – strap on two seat belts. Shane Carden is a very effective passer and this offense runs like a well-oiled machine against less-than stellar opponents. We can expect much the same from ECU at home in this contest as they will be itching to show off what they can do.  As for Florida Atlantic? As previously mentioned, this is the Owls showcase game, so expect maximum effort. They will need to put up points against ECU anyway, just to make it a game.  Given the struggles of ECU defensively in Week 1, it is hard to put your money on the side in this contest. The value is on the over 54 this Thursday and even though the public will surely look to pound the over for a nationally televised game, it should be the right side tomorrow.

Prediction: Florida Atlantic 24 ECU 42