Tigers vs Seminoles NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
These two are in the same division so this is likely for a spot in the ACC Championship game. Clemson has started strong beating Auburn in the opener and then coasting against Ball State and Furman.
#9 Clemson Tigers (3-0) vs #4 Florida State Seminoles (3-0)
Saturday September 22
Doak Campell Stadium – Tallahassee, FL
8:00PM
Moneyline: Florida State -550, Clemson +425 at TopBet.eu
Spread: Florida State -14
O/U: 58
Clemson
With receiver Sammy Watkins back from suspension this team is all systems go for this monster of a game.
The number is a little bigger than I would have expected given the magnitude.
Clemson is definitely going to test the FSU defense. For the first two weeks the passing game featured DeAndre Hopkins but now with Watkins back Tigers QB Tajh Boyd can look in either direction.
Truth is the real battle is likely to be upfront in the trenches.
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If Clemson can not run the ball effectively it will be tough to get their passing game in sync as well. Running back Andre Ellington needs to have a good day for balance.
It is hard not to like Clemson as a live dog here.
They have the right kind of offensive system to come back and recognize the importance of the game. More fuel for the fire: The Tigers have covered 6 of the last seven against FSU including two games in Tallahassee.
All of those numbers were smaller than this one. The last time there was one this big FSU covered at home winning by 19 (-17)
Florida State
For a while now we have been anticipating the return of the Seminoles. The talent is there but over the last few seasons it has underperformed. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Heading into 2012 many again thought this team could make it to a BCS game. In part due to schedule, but also because with their defense and an emerging offense they could really be a power.
If that is true we will begin to see it starting this week.
Other than the loss of the best defensive end in college football the season has been smooth for FSU. Based on last week’s performance they may have found their featured runner – Chris Thompson ripped off nearly 200 yards on just 9 carries.
The defense is also looking very sharp having given up just 3 points in 3 games (a couple of gimmes).
Still they gave up just 126 total yards to Wake last week – a mediocre BCS team.
I am not completely sold on the fact that FSU is back…I need a little more convincing like an easy home victory against a good Clemson team.
I think the defense is in for a rude awakening but the team should be strong enough to win and cover in their own house.
Not a huge value play, might not be a bad idea to tease this one down.
Might be closer than the final score indicates.
Spread Pick: Florida State -14
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: Florida State 45 – Clemson 28
