Navy vs FAU Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Navy Midshipmen travel to Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, to face the Florida Atlantic Owls on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Navy enters at 1-0 after defeating Towson 42-15, while Florida Atlantic is 0-1 following a 66-21 loss at Florida. Navy is currently favored by 6.5 points with the total set at 57.5. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Navy Ground Game Looks Terrifying

Navy's trademark rushing attack was in midseason form immediately. The Midshipmen rolled past Towson 42-15 while rushing for an incredible 506 yards on 73 attempts.

Senior quarterback Braxton Woodson was the centerpiece of the performance. Woodson carried 23 times for a career-high 200 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. His 200 rushing yards were the most by a Navy player since 2024.

The Midshipmen finished with 527 total yards, generated 30 first downs and possessed the football for 39:50. Navy converted seven of 12 third downs and all three of its fourth-down attempts, consistently extending drives and wearing down Towson's defense.

That style presents an especially difficult challenge for an FAU defense coming off a game in which Florida repeatedly created explosive plays. If Navy establishes its option game early, the Owls could spend another long night on the field.

FAU Offense Shows Some Life in Gainesville

Florida Atlantic's 66-21 loss at Florida looks ugly, but the Owls did have some encouraging offensive moments against an SEC opponent. FAU reached the red zone four times and scored three touchdowns.

Caden Veltkamp completed 34 of 52 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown, although he also threw two interceptions. Veltkamp added a rushing touchdown, while Ethan Ervin scored on the ground and Kelby Valsin caught a 20-yard touchdown pass.

The Owls repeatedly demonstrated that they could move the football in stretches. FAU converted 11 of 22 third downs and four of seven fourth downs, but turnovers and an inability to stop Florida prevented the offense from keeping the game competitive.

The matchup changes dramatically against Navy. FAU won't face the same raw athleticism it encountered in Gainesville, but possessions become incredibly valuable against an option offense capable of draining the clock. Veltkamp can't afford turnovers that give Navy additional possessions.

Navy vs FAU Picks and Prediction

Pick: Navy -6.5

Navy -6.5 is my preferred side. The Midshipmen just rushed for 506 yards and controlled possession for almost 40 minutes, while FAU allowed Florida to score 66 points. FAU's passing game gives the Owls some upset potential, but Navy's ability to control the clock and repeatedly create manageable third downs is a nightmare matchup for a defense trying to rebound from a physically exhausting opener. Keeping the spread below a touchdown is important. Take Navy -6.5.

Pick: Over 57.5

The Over 57.5 is my preferred total. Navy just scored 42 while FAU's opener produced 87 combined points. The Midshipmen should have substantial success on the ground, but FAU demonstrated enough passing ability against Florida to contribute to the scoring. Veltkamp threw for 276 yards and the Owls reached the red zone four times against an SEC defense. A game around 38-24 or 41-21 would be enough. Take Over 57.5.

Final Picks: Navy -6.5 and Over 57.5