FAU vs. UL Monroe Recap: A 28-Point Second Quarter Settles It

FAU beat UL Monroe 45-17, and the game was settled by halftime. It was 7-7 after one quarter. Then FAU scored 28 points in the second quarter, including a 73-yard punt return touchdown by Easton Messer, and led 35-17 at the break. ULM did not score again after a field goal late in the first half. FAU outgained ULM 567 to 332, ran for 234 yards on 47 carries, and converted 11 of 20 third downs. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Florida Atlantic ML (-500 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: ULM came in 0-3 with a home loss to FCS SE Louisiana and had not thrown for more than 183 yards in a game. FAU had beaten Navy and FIU, with Caden Veltkamp throwing for 276 to 386 yards.
• What happened: FAU won by 28. Neither team turned the ball over, and FAU simply moved it better: 567 total yards and 30:57 of possession.
• Worth watching: At -500 this is parlay filler, not a standalone bet. As a leg it was never in doubt after the second quarter.

ALT: Florida Atlantic -4.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: The main line was FAU -11.5 to -13.5, and ULM had lost to UAB and SE Louisiana. We took the cushion instead of the full number.
• What happened: FAU won 45-17, so -4.5 covered by 23.5 points. The only tense stretch was early in the second quarter, when LT Robinson's 75-yard catch cut it to 21-14. FAU then put together touchdown drives of 92 and 75 yards before the half.
• Worth watching: This one never needed the cushion, but the alt is the right tool when the main number is in double digits.

ALT: Caden Veltkamp 225+ passing yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Veltkamp was the confirmed starter with games of 276, 386 and 202 yards. ULM had given up 62 to Mississippi State and 38 to SE Louisiana.
• What happened: He threw for 314 yards on 29 of 38 passing, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, clearing 224.5 by 89.5 yards. Both touchdowns went to Dominique Henry, from 26 and 36 yards.
• Worth watching: He was efficient and he still threw 38 times while FAU ran 47 times. A line at 224.5 leaves plenty of room.

ALT: Kelby Valsin 5+ receptions (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Valsin had 10, 8 and 6 catches in an offense that throws 32 to 52 times a game.
• What happened: He caught 9 passes for 123 yards with a long of 28, clearing 4.5 by 4.5 catches. He tied Henry for the team lead in catches.
• Worth watching: That makes 10, 8, 6 and now 9 catches. Receptions is the steadier market for him.

How the game played out

Aidan Armenta completed 23 of 29 passes for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns, and 75 of those yards came on one throw to Robinson. The ULM run game went nowhere: 54 yards on 25 carries. After halftime ULM's drives ended in a field goal try that came up empty and four punts.

Trends to watch

• FAU's passing game spreads the ball. Valsin and Henry each had 9 catches, so the volume doesn't run through one receiver every week.
• Ethan Ervin ran 21 times for 139 yards and a touchdown. With FAU running 47 times, the lead back's rushing yards deserve a look.
• Veltkamp's passing yards held up even with a big lead. That makes his yardage line a steady building block.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to these terms? Read up on the alt line, the player prop and the parlay, or see more at CFB.