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2007 New Orleans Bowl Odds & Predictions

The 2007 New Orleans Bowl odds have been set and we are here to offer some predictions on this game between the Memphis Tigers and the Florida Atlantic Owls. One thing is probably going to be for certain, and that is both offenses are going to come ready to play and to put points on the board. Neither team is lacking when it comes to that side of the ball, and neither team is known for their defensive prowess. With that being said, just because these two teams come into the game at 7-5 doesn't mean that you shouldn't take a look at this opportunity to make a little extra money with your college football betting knowledge.

Let's start out taking a look at what Florida Atlantic will bring to the table, because this team could go under the radar for a lot of bettors. That means the line might be set a little low if only because the general public would favor the more popular Memphis team. You can bet that the Owls are one of the happiest teams in the nation when it comes to being invited to the post-season, as the program is only seven years old, which makes it the fastest ever to reach their initial bowl appearance. Troy was supposed to win the Sun Belt Conference, but it was Florida Atlantic that prevailed in the last game of the season to give them the conference championship and write their ticket to the SuperDome in New Orleans. At 7-5 and playing in the weakest conference, you may think that this team has no chance, but you have to remember that the Owls did go out and play five BCS-conference schools, four of which made the post-season (only Minnesota, which was the Owls' sole win of the set, didn't). You have to remember though that Florida Atlantic is 0-7 ATS away from home outside the conference, and their 91st rank rush offense doesn't match up to Memphis's weaknesses very well. With that being said, the team did average over 36 ppg over the last half of the season, and is capable of moving the ball through the air.

Memphis started the season with high hopes but found themselves sitting at 2-4 halfway through the year. It appeared all was lost and their head coach was going to be sent out the door following the season, but the return of Martin Hankins to quarterback ignited the team to a 5-1 finish. At 7-5, you have to look at Memphis's schedule and scratch your head because they lost to two Sun Belt conference teams and had the second-easiest schedule of any bowl-bound team. They picked up one win over Jacksonville State and five more came against teams that finished 13-47. Defensively, the Tigers are almost non-existent out there as they only held one opponent to less than 21 points and gave up 50 or more to three conference foes. On the bright side Memphis is 10-2 ATS on the road against teams with a winning record, they have the 23rd ranked offense with more than 33.7 ppg, and they don't turn the ball over. The team improved with the return of their quarterback, but can they get as excited as Florida Atlantic for this game after failing to meet their high expectations? We'll see on gameday.

Oddsmakers predicted score:

Florida Atlantic Owls 35
Memphis Tigers 33

2007 New Orleans Odds:

Florida Atlantic Owls -2.5
Memphis Tigers +2.5

Total set at 67.5

December 12th, 2007