See there are three experts on this one, which basically precluded me from following suit on FAU -- I dislike spreads in this "middle" zone anyways. When it comes to NCAA hoops totals, I'm almost completely at the mercy of models because there's only so much time in a day and every single one has this with fewer than 145 points scored. Loyola is usually known for its defense and held some small school I never heard of to 44 points in its final exhibition game. The Ramblers may struggle to score inside vs. Owls 7-footer Vladislav Goldin.

Adjustment time continues at Loyola after the Ramblers endured a very bumpy ride in the A-10 debut last winter. Lack of creative scoring elements from the preceding Big Dane entries spelled doom a season ago and not sure Drew Valentine's forays into the portal have filled those needs. Meanwhile Dusty May brings back nearly everyone from last season's Final Four entry, and a bit surprised the Owls aren't getting a bit more respect from the oddsmakers than this very modest price suggests. Play FAU

FAU is a team that loves to play on the road and battle your perception of them. Speaking of perception, Loyola is a bit overrated, they are coming off a bad year and I’m not sure anyone has noticed. Play against the name and take FAU which has everyone back from last years squad.

These are two programs headed in opposite directions. FAU won 35 games last year and made a big run all the way to the Final Four. FAU returns all five starters from last year. Porter Moser moved on to Oklahoma, Drew Valentine took over Loyola Chicago and won 25 games in year one but just 10 games last year. Valentine does return all five of his starters and several experienced players through the transfer portal. There is still a very big gap in talent. My model has FAU by 11.5.