Florida State Miami Betting – ‘Noles Top ‘Canes In Another Classic
Sports betting players know that it’s always an occasion when Miami and Florida State get together, and this year’s meeting will be no exception when the two meet on Saturday night. The loser of this game usually eliminates themselves from the ACC Betting race, but bragging rights are bigger in this rivalry. The road team has often come out on top in this matchup, so we’re picking the Seminoles to edge the Hurricanes in another classic meeting.
- What: NCAA football betting
- When: Saturday, October 9th, 8:00 PM ET
- Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL
- Pick: Florida State Seminoles
What’s On The Line
The No.23 Florida State Seminoles (4-1, 2-0 ACC) won 34-14 against the Virginia Cavaliers last week, while the No.13 Miami Hurricanes (3-1, 1-0 ACC) held on for a 30-21 win at Clemson, so this game is to stay unbeaten in the ACC. Oh, and FSU-Miami is one of the most bitter rivalries over the last 20 years. It may not have the same shine as the late-1980s and early-1990s, when both were national-title contenders on a yearly basis, but the games are always close: 10 of the last 11 meetings have been decided by eight points or less, and last year’s 38-34 win for the Hurricanes was a Game of the Year candidate.
Offensive Matchups: Florida State Miami Betting
Everyone figured the FSU offense would be all about Christian Ponder’s arm, but the Seminoles have established a ground game, coming in 26th in the nation in rushing. Jermaine Thomas, Ty Jones and Chris Thompson keep the opposing defense off-balance, and Jones didn’t even play against Virginia to keep him fresh for the Hurricanes. But Ponder is still important to the Seminoles’ NCAA football betting odds, and he had a good game last year against the Hurricanes.
However, he was outplayed by Jacory Harris, who has had the spotlight shining brightly on him over the last couple of weeks. Harris threw two picks against Clemson, and that makes eight in his last three games. Of course, he did throw four touchdowns against the Tigers, but Harris is turning the ball over far too much and the Miami offense is paying for it, coming in 70th, 40 spots worse than the Seminoles.
Betting Edge: Florida State
Defensive Matchups: Florida State Miami Betting
The FSU defense was much maligned last year, but they’ve showed a lot of improvement. Still, they’re 71st in the nation against the pass and got lit up in their first big test, a 47-17 trouncing at the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners on September 11th. The Hurricanes have a lot of big receivers and the Seminoles are going to have to keep Miami in front of them to avoid big plays. One thing that the Seminoles have going for them: Florida State is first in the nation in sacks, and Brandon Jenkins leads a pass rush that can come from anywhere at any time.
The Hurricanes are 12th in the country defensively, nine spots better than FSU, and they’re especially good against the pass, coming in sixth. They’ve got their own mighty pass rush as they’re behind only FSU in terms of sacks, so Ponder is going to have to keep his head on a swivel. But the Hurricanes are suspect when it comes to run defense, and that may be the way that the Seminoles create their offensive game plan.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Florida State Miami Betting
Linebacker Mister Alexander (concussion), safety Nick Moody (knee) and cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (ankle) all had to leave the Virginia game, so check their availability for the Seminoles.
Offensive lineman Malcolm Bunche (lower extremity), defensive lineman Curtis Porter (lower extremity), and running back Graig Cooper (lower extremity) all missed the Clemson game, so check the Miami news to see if they can play.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Florida State Miami Betting
NCAA football betting odds had the Hurricanes as a 4-point favorite at home when this line opened, but it could go down to a field goal given how close these two always play each other. The Hurricanes are 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS at home in their last seven against the Seminoles, who have a lot of pride to play for after getting taken to the woodshed in Norman by Oklahoma. They won’t be as nervous about playing at Miami as the veterans on the team know how to handle the pressure surrounding this game. The play of the quarterbacks will have a major effect on this game, but the pass rushes will factor in as well. If these guys are allowed to sit back in the pocket, they’ll pick the opposing secondary apart. However, this is a road team’s series, as indicated by the above record for Miami, so we’re taking the Seminoles in our online betting book.
Blake’s Pick: Florida State Seminoles
