Florida Atlantic vs Army Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 17 2026
The Saturday college football slate will get started with a battle between the Florida Atlantic Owls and the Army Black Knights. Kickoff is set for 12:00 pm EST on October 17, 2026 and the game can be seen on CBS Sports Network. The Black Knights have been tabbed as a two-point favorite at scenic Michie Stadium and the total is 55.5. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.
Florida Atlantic led by senior QB Caden Veltkamp
The Florida Atlantic Owls have not had a winning season since 2020, but second year head coach Zach Kittley appears to have things headed in the right direction. The Owls (4-1) were thumped in a season-opening loss at Florida but have averaged more than 40 points during their four-game winning streak. Last time out, Florida Atlantic erupted for 49 points in the first half of a 66-10 home victory versus FCS Texas Southern.
Florida Atlantic QB Caden Veltkamp needed just 16 passing attempts to throw for 247 yards and four touchdowns. Kelby Valsin ran circles around the Texas Southern secondary with 126 receiving yards and three scores. Easton Messer added 88 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Owls.
Florida Atlantic ranks third in the American Conference in total offense (420.8 ypg) and is scoring 37.2 points on average. The Owls love to throw it all over the yard and rank 38th nationally with 19 explosive pass plays. Florida Atlantic needs to tighten up a defense that gives up a shade below 27 points per game.
Army dominating opponents on the ground
The Army Black Knights have won 22 of their previous 32 games overall and capped the last two seasons with bowl victories. The Black Knights (3-2) have split their first two American Conference games and their two losses this year have come by a total of six points. On Saturday, Dawson Jones nailed a 25-yard field goal on the final play to lift Army to a 20-17 home victory versus Tulane.
Army trailed 17-10 midway through the fourth quarter but QB Cale Hellums evened the score with a 58-yard touchdown run. Hellums finished with a career-high 223 rushing yards on 38 carries. The Black Knights averaged 5.6 yards per rush and possessed the ball for more than 35 minutes.
Army leads the nation in rushing offense (333.2 ypg) and averaged 30.6 points per game. The Black Knights are tied with Kansas State in success rate (rush) at 55.4% and run the ball 78.5 percent of the time. Army’s defense benefits from the offense’s time of possession and allows 19.2 points per contest.
Florida Atlantic vs Army Picks and Prediction
Pick: Florida Atlantic ML +121
This line opened with Army as a three-point favorite and money quickly moved the line in Florida Atlantic’s favor. There is a lot to like about the Owls, who are 4-1 ATS and own a 10.3 average margin of victory. The Black Knights are 1-3-1 ATS and will not be able to slow down the Florida Atlantic passing attack. Take the Owls to win outright as a small road underdog.
Pick: Under 55.5
The total for this game opened at 59.5, but sharp money knocked it down to where it currently sits at 55.5. The Black Knights will be able to move the ball on the ground and that will limit possessions for both teams. The Owls rank 62nd in red zone efficiency and 67th on third down conversions. A drive ending on downs or a turnover could be the difference. Take the under.