The starting quarterback of the FAU Owls’ Week 1 opponent had an interesting comment during his media availability on Thursday. When asked about setting the tone for the season at the beginning of the year, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles had a straightforward but revealing answer.
“Like I said before, if you bet, take the over.”
"If you bet, take the over"
Michigan State starting QB, Aidan Chiles on their season opener against Florida Atlantic
(via @champion_aidan)pic.twitter.com/PrhhHhZPuN
— br_betting (@br_betting) August 22, 2024
Chiles’s comment could be open to interpretation. He could be referring to the team’s win total line for the season or the specific over/under for the game against the FAU football team. Either way, it is an interesting comment that has a player fully acknowledging betting, something that would have seemed preposterous in college sports just a few short years ago.
As for the FAU side of things, the comment can be used as instant bulletin board material. Michigan State is only a 12-point favorite against the Owls at the time of Chiles’ comments. The over/under is also listed at 47.5, which is not the score total of a game expected to be a blowout.
FAU has an unproven yet talented roster. Those types of teams sometimes need a little nudge to get their engine rolling and find success early on in the season. If the team takes Chiles’s comment to heart, it could be that little bit of extra motivation that helps to provide a great start to the season.
Cam Fancher announced as FAU football starting quarterback
Leading up to Florida Atlantic’s Week 1 matchup against Michigan State, Tom Herman announced that Cam Fancher would be the team’s starting quarterback.
Fancher comes to FAU from Marshall University, where he was the starting quarterback for two years. A dual-threat player, Fancher has the ability to navigate running lanes with the ball in his hands. As a passer, the Marshall product preferred making the big play as opposed to settling for safer, check-down options.
With Fancher at quarterback, the FAU offense could be filled with both the highs and lows that come with it. While Fancher had improved every season with Marshall, turnovers were a cause for concern. If he is able to limit the turnovers, the Owls should have a successful season. Yet if he is unable, the team may just have a quarterback waiting in the wings, in backup Tyriq Starks.
