| MATCHUP | Florida Atlantic Owls | Florida Gators |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +26.5 -108 | -26.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +1400 | -3200 |
| Total | Over 59.5 (-108) | Under 59.5 (-112) |
| Where | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL | |
| When | Saturday, September 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:45 PM EDT | |
| TV | SEC Network | |
FAU Owls Betting Preview
The FAU Owls went 4-8 (3-5) last season and they finished tied for ninth in the American standings. FAU opened the season with a 39-7 loss to Maryland, but they bounced back with a 56-14 win over Florida A&M after that. The Owls were 3-3 through six games, but they lost five of their last six for a disappointing end to the season. FAU only defeated Rice, UAB, and Tulsa in the FBS last year and they allowed at least 35 points in five of their last six games. The Owls scored 29.5 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 36.3 points against per game on defense.This season, Florida Atlantic should be much better in their second season under Kittley, who is an offensive minded coach. The Owls do return a lot of production from the 2025 team, which is not something a lot of teams can say. FAU will have Veltkamp at quarterback and Easton Messer at receiver, who are both primed for a big year. On defense, FAU was horrible in 2025, but that should be improved if the offense is better at staying on the field.
Florida Gators Betting Preview
The Florida Gators were 4-8 (2-6) last year and they finished tied for 11th in the SEC standings. Florida started the season with a 55-0 win over LIU, but they lost to South Florida 18-16 after that. The Gators started the season with a 1-3 record, but did beat Texas 29-21 and Mississippi State 34-17 in weeks five and seven. Florida was 3-4 through seven games, but lost four of their last five games to end the season. The Gators scored 21.6 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 24.0 points against per game on defense.This year, Florida will have Aaron Philo starting at quarterback, who transferred from Georgia Tech, but he is a question mark in my opinion. The Gators do have plenty of talent at running back and wide receiver, so Philo should have some help. On defense, Florida should have a very strong front seven, but they are replacing a lot of production in the secondary.
Why the Florida Gators will win
- Florida Atlantic has lost 24 of its last 25 road games against non-conference opponents.
- Florida has won 15 of its last 16 September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Florida Atlantic has failed to cover the spread in 11 of its last 13 September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Florida Atlantic has lost the first half in eight of its last nine September games as a road underdog.
Why the Florida Atlantic Owls will win
- Florida has lost four of its last five games in September.
- Florida has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Florida Atlantic has covered the spread in six of its last seven road games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Florida’s last eight games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Florida Atlantic’s last six season openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
Florida Gators Player Prop Facts
- Alec Clark ranked 9th amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (46.5) last season.
Florida Atlantic Owls Player Prop Facts
- Easton Messer has recorded 10+ receptions in two consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS.
Matchup/League Facts
- Florida ranked T11th among FBS teams for red zone percentage last season (91.7).
- Florida ranked 125th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (-3.2).
- Florida Atlantic ranked 7th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (9.2).
- Florida Atlantic ranked 132nd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game last season (18.8).