Florida Atlantic Owls (FAU) at South Florida Bulls (USF), Picks and Prediction, Saturday, October 18, 2025
Use Code SSWC The South Florida Bulls will host the Florida Atlantic Owls at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday in an American Conference game, with the kickoff slated for 7:00 PM Eastern, as South Florida looks to stay perfect in conference. Read on for the Owls vs the Bulls prediction and more free NCAAF picks.
Owls Unleash Offense Against UAB
Florida Atlantic got right to work as they led 21-0 after the first quarter. The Owls went on to score 35 first-half points. Caden Veltkamp threw well, logging 293 yards on 21/31 passing and a 3/1 TD/INT split. Five receivers caught multiple passes. Kaden Shields-Dutton led the backfield with three scores on 15 carries for 77 yards. FAU continues to be stout on 3rd down, but they held UAB to under 70 rushing yards and came away with five sacks.
Florida Atlantic is averaging 422.2 total yards per game, fueled by a prolific aerial attack. The passing game is especially dominant, producing 315.4 yards per game, which ranks among the most productive in the nation. Their ground game is less formidable, contributing around 107.3 yards per contest. The offense converts on 40.74% of third downs, and they have been even less effective inside the red zone, falling to 117th in the country. Consistency and efficiency are the keys to this offense as the Owls have demonstrated big-play capability, but turnovers and stalled drives remain a concern.
Florida Atlantic Key Team Stats:
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- Total Yards Per Game: 422.2
- 3rd-Down Conversion Rate: 40.74%
- Red Zone Scoring Rate: –72.22%
Defensively, FAU has struggled to contain opposing offenses. They allow over 37 points per game, placing them among the weaker defenses nationally. Their run defense is also vulnerable: opponents tend to run at will, garnering nearly five yards per carry. In red zone and late-game scenarios, the defense often yields touchdowns rather than forcing field goals. They currently sit 125th in America in red zone defense. The defense hasn't come away with a turnover, but they have been able to generate a modest pass rush. Florida Atlantic will need to find ways to limit the chunk plays downfield and keep opponents out of the end zone, as the red zone defense has been nonexistent at times.
Bulls Perfect In Conference Play
South Florida continued to demonstrate why they believe they are the best team in the American. The Bulls recently topped North Texas 63-36, with the Bulls doing the bulk of their work in the second half; the contest was tied at 21 at halftime. Byrum Brown was 22/28 for 245 yards and three scores to one interception. He found seven different guys multiple times. Brown also led the ground game with 21 carries for 82 yards and two scores. In all, Brown accounted for five touchdowns. The Bulls continue to move the sticks on third downs, as they exhibit one of the best ground attacks in the country.
South Florida enters this stretch riding significant momentum under second-year head coach Alex Golesh, but there are still question marks in execution and consistency. Offensively, the Bulls are averaging 36.2 points per game, carrying a potent attack that ranks top 20 in both yards per game and points per game. Their ground game is particularly threatening, amassing 1,250 yards on over five yards per carry through six games. In the passing game, they’ve been able to create explosive plays, and Brown has done a solid job taking care of the football. Once the Bulls are inside the red zone, good luck stopping them.
South Florida Key Team Stats:
- Total Yards Per Game: 461.2
- 3rd-Down Conversion Rate: 44.16%
- Red Zone Touchdown Rate: 90.91%
Defensively, the Bulls have been somewhat up-and-down. They allow 26.8 points per game, placing them in the middle of the pack nationally. On a per-play basis, opponents are generating about 5.6 yards per play. In total defense through six games, the red zone defense has been tested often, and the Bulls have sometimes bent. Their ability to force turnovers is a key strength, and they lead the country in takeaways per game. Additionally, the defense sits 37th in overall red zone defense. In critical third-down and late-game situations, the defense will need to tighten up. If they can improve in those moments and find ways to generate a strong pass rush, the Bulls should hand things at home.
Florida Atlantic vs South Florida Pick
Side Pick for FAU vs. USF
- South Florida -21.5 (4 Units)
Florida Atlantic has struggled on the offensive side of the football, and its inability to produce points inside the red zone remains a concern. Additionally, South Florida leads the country in takeaways. They should have their nose for the football against a middling Florida Atlantic offensive attack. Lastly, South Florida has been scoring touchdowns in the red zone at one of the highest rates in football this season. We should expect that to continue.
South Florida -21.5
Total for FAU vs. USF
- Under 74.5 (4 Units)
There comes a point where the total gets too high. At 74.5, so many things have to go right for both offenses. Florida Atlantic has struggled both on 3rd down and in the red zone. What's more, the Bulls have been able to force turnovers. South Florida leans on the run, which will also allow the clock to wind down. Even against an inferior defense like Florida Atlantic.
Under 74.5
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