Charlotte vs FAU: Preview & Prediction

Records: Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 C-USA) vs. FAU (5-6, 3-4 C-USA)

Date & Time: Saturday, November 24, 6:00 PM

TV: ESPN3

Location: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL

Betting Line: FAU -17.5 O/U: 54.5

All-Time Series Record: 2-1 FAU leads (FAU won the last matchup 31-12 in 2017)

Charlotte Outlook

In the final game of Brad Lambert’s tenure, Charlotte will be playing for pride as they lost their chance for bowl eligibility last week at the hands of FIU.

Following Hasaan Klugh’s best game as a 49er, expect to see him much of the game. A surprise start last week caught FIU off guard, but Florida Atlantic will be prepared.

Klugh’s ability to extend plays with his legs warrants increasing danger for the Florida Atlantic defense, which is giving up 176 yards per game on the ground.

Benny LeMay has been one of the best running backs in C-USA this season, eclipsing the 1,000-rushing yard mark last week. Any chance Charlotte has at winning their first road game of the season rests on LeMay’s shoulders.

Offensively, Charlotte dominates the time of possession battle nearly every week with long drives and consistent handoffs.

FAU’s C-USA leading rushing attack will matchup with a stout Charlotte defense, #2 in the conference allowing just 98.3 yards per game.

Safety Ben DeLuca and LB Jeff Gemmell leads the defense in tackles, and Juwan Foggie’s 6 interceptions ties for the second most in the FBS.

Bottling up FAU’s two-headed monster featuring Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte Jr, along with forcing an early turnover is the recipe for Charlotte’s success.

The search for a new head coach has already begun, but the newly ousted Brad Lambert has one last opportunity to bring a W back to the Queen City.

FAU Outlook

In the final game of the regular season, FAU a chance to close an embattled season with a win and reach a bowl game for the second straight season under Lane Kiffin. Not exactly what FAU fans were expecting when the season started, but I think every Owl will take it. Win, and we’re pretty much a lock to go bowling.

The biggest reason FAU is in this position is because of the best rushing attack in C-USA. In what will more than likely be his last home game of his FAU career, FAU fans will have one more chance to see Devin Singletary, the best player in school history. Singletary has rushed for 1,260 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Backup running back Kerrith Whyte, Jr. has also been fantastic, rushing for 841 yards and eight touchdowns.

FAU ranks 63rd in Defensive S&P+. Not bad for a unit that was absolutely abysmal in the early half of the season. The 49ers aren’t exactly an efficient team but they are explosive. Limiting those plays will be pivotal. Look for seniors Jalen Young, Shelton Lewis, and Andrew Soroh to play a huge role in making sure they leave FAU Stadium for the final time with a win.

Prediction

Hunter: I fully expect Charlotte to be locked in for Brad Lambert’s last game. With that said, it’s also senior day for Lane Kiffin’s guys. Both rushing attacks will be crucial, however I see the FAU defense adjusting in the second half forcing Hasaan Klugh to keep Charlotte in the game. I believe this will be decided by a fourth quarter turnover, ultimately ending with the Atlantic Owls escaping with a victory. FAU 31 Charlotte 24

Cyrus: FAU is averaging 36.2 points per game this season. The magic number for FAU to assure a win is to score 30 points and I think they will get that done. The Owls simply have more to play for and is the more talented team. Considering Charlotte pulled off one of their biggest wins of the Brad Lambert era at FAU two years ago, I’m sure FAU will be ready. FAU 44 Charlotte 23