The FAU Owls and the Clemson Tigers meet in week 3 college football action from Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.

FAU Comes Out Flat Vs. Ohio

The FAU Owls fell short in their first game against FBS opposition this year thanks to a 17-10 loss to Ohio last time out. Casey Thompson has thrown for 460 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 64.2% passing while Larry McCammon has 148 rushing yards and a touchdown. LaJohntay Weaver has a team-high 18 catches for 156 yards while Tony Johnson has 119 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Je’Quan Burton also has 2 receiving TDs as well this season. On defense, Eddie Williams and Jackson Ambush each have a team-high 15 total tackles while FAU’s defense as a whole has 2 sacks and 3 interceptions.

Florida Atlantic Owls Team Facts

– Florida Atlantic has lost 18 of its last 19 road games against non-conference opponents.
– The underdog has covered the spread in nine of Florida Atlantic’s last 10 games.
– Each of Florida Atlantic’s last five September games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.

Clemson Routs Charleston Southern

The Clemson Tigers were able to get their first win of the season, improving to 1-1 with a 66-17 rout of FCS Charleston Southern last time out. Cade Klubnik has thrown for 524 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 68.8% passing while Will Shipley has rushed for a team-high 187 yards and Phil Mafah has 124 yards and 2 touchdowns. Beaux Collins has a team-high 187 receiving yards and a touchdown on his 12 receptions while Antonio Williams has 12 catches of his own for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns as well. On defense, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has a team-high 13 total tackles while the Clemson defense as a whole has 2 sacks this season.

Clemson Tigers Team Facts

– Clemson has won 41 of its last 42 games at Memorial Stadium (Clemson).
– Clemson has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at Memorial Stadium (Clemson).
– Clemson has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents at Memorial Stadium (Clemson).
– Clemson has won the first half in each of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents at Memorial Stadium (Clemson).
– Four of Clemson’s last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

– Clemson ranked T5th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.786).
– Clemson ranked 13th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (3.4).
– Florida Atlantic ranked 29th among FBS teams for Q4 points allowed per game last season (5.3).
– Florida Atlantic ranked 39th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (7.2).

Chris’ Pick

I’m looking at FAU here, I think Clemson wins this one comfortably, but keep in mind that Clemson also has Florida State on deck next, so there may be some cards kept close to the vest for Clemson here. I don’t expect it to be tight, but I think FAU could do enough here to keep this one within the number, maybe a 35-14 kind of game. Give me FAU and the points.