Clemson vs. Florida State Odds, Picks, and Predictions (10/15/2022)

In week seven of the College Football season, we get to enjoy a matchup of two longtime rivals in the Clemson Tigers heading to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles.  While both have enjoyed their storied success, especially in this century, it has been the Clemson Tigers who have truly been enjoying these past 5-6 years.  While Clemson has gone on to win two national championships since 2016 under Dabo Swinney, Florida State has gone four consecutive years with below .500 records marking the first time since the mid-1970s for the Seminoles.  Although the Seminoles enjoyed championship and CFP appearances just ten years ago, they have fallen on tough times as of late.  But Mike Norvell definitely wants to improve the Seminole status in his third year as head coach.  They started the year 4-0 and entered the AP Top 25, but have lost their last two matchups against ranked opponents.  They definitely need this win to bounce back and finish this year strong in the ACC.  

Clemson has gotten off to a hot start this year 6-0, but question marks still remain over the Tigers and they are desperate to get back in the national title game after a down year last season which saw them missing out on the CFP.  Let’s break into this game’s odds and predictions.

Clemson Vs. Florida State Betting Odds

Despite Clemson having some early season scares, many believe they have ridden the ship strong and will be much more composed the rest of the year.  They are entering this game as -177 moneyline favorites on the road.  The spread line is currently -3.5 points but one thing to keep in mind is that it initially opened at -7.5 points so trends have been moving in the Florida State favor.  Florida State will be playing tough as QB Jordan Travis has been starting the year strong for the Seminoles with nine TDs and 1407 passing yards.  The FSU defense is also currently No. 1 in pass defense.  Clemson QB D.J. Uiagalelei has been good this year but still has not quite reached the heights of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence within the Clemson QB community.  He will need to be extra sharp against the Seminole defense and stay on track of what he’s done so far this year, which has been being one of the best QBs in the country.

The over/under total is currently 51 points.  Both of these teams have really strong defenses as Clemson’s passing D and certainly their rushing D is one of the best in the country.  They have one of the strongest D-lines too.  Clemson has not scored less than 30 and FSU has only failed to score 20 or more once.

Clemson Vs. Florida State Picks & Prediction

My pick: Clemson -3.5 (-112)

Clemson might have had a rocky start and had a close double OT game to Wake Forest, but since then they have looked like their old dominant self.  I’m going with the Tigers to cover -3.5 but I think FSU can definitely give this team a run for their money.  The Seminoles are scrappy and proved that against LSU week one in a down-to-the-wire win.  If this game was week five I may have taken Florida State after they started 4-0,but then they took tough losses against ranked opponents in Wake Forest and NC State.  Both of these teams were defeated by Clemson and I just don’t know if Florida State can keep up with the Tigers offense and defense all four quarters.

The over/under total of 51 is an interesting one as well.  I think this could be very close to the total as both of these teams have great offenses and defenses and who’s to say which one will prevail.  If I had to go with one I kind of like the over as both of these teams’ offenses have been great but I may steer away from that bet.

Clemson vs Florida State Key Matchups

D.J. Uiagalelei vs. Florida State Defense
Big matchup I’m looking at is D.J. Uiagalelei vs. the Florida State Defense.  The former 5-star recruit is still looking to buy the hearts and souls of the Clemson faithful who have been spoiled at QB in recent years.  He had a bit of a rough start with his first year at Clemson, if you consider 10 wins and three losses a down year.  He has been playing lights out this year with 14 TDs and 1462 passing yards.  Florida State’s passing defense has been good but I think Uiagalelei proves why Clemson wanted him this Saturday with a huge game