FSU Noles College Football Odds & Early Betting Prediction
Posted by Eric Williams on Friday,July 8, 2016 7:32, EDT in
How often will the Florida State Seminoles cash in against their 2016 online college football odds? Let’s find out. After finishing an uncharacteristic third behind Clemson and North Carolina in the ACC in 2015, Florida State (10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS) is looking to improve on that mark in 2016 while challenging for a berth in the College Football four-team playoff. The Seminoles however, have some questions they need to answer, starting at quarterback.
FSU Noles College Football Odds & Early Betting Prediction
Offense
The Florida State Seminoles had a solid, but not overpowering offense in 2015, ranking 51st in the country in total offense (424.0 ypg) and 47th in scoring (31.6 ppg). More importantly, all 11 starters are back on offense for head coach Jimbo Fisher, including jaw-dropping tailback Dalvin Cook.
As a sophomore, Cook set a new school records for rushing yards (1,691) and all-purpose yards (1,935) in a single season. Along the way, Cook managed to average a whopping 7.4 yards per carry and 140.9 yards per game. Cook did all of this while battling myriad injuries ad running behind an offensive line that was mediocre at best a year ago.
However, I expect both Cook and Florida’s State’s offensive line to be even better than they were in 2015. The wide receiver position is brimming with talent, leaving the big question mark at quarterback.
Starter Sean Maguire is back for his senior season, but may not start after his underwhelming campaign a year ago. Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois and true freshman Malik Henry will both challenge for the starting job, so this is a situation that bears watching.
Defense
The Seminoles were outstanding defensively in 2015, ranking 21st in total defense, (336.9 ypg) and a stellar ninth in points allowed (17.4 ppg). Fisher has seven returning starters from last year’s squad despite losing superstar All-American cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The good news is that the Seminoles have a pair of elite defensive ends in senior DeMarcus Walker (58 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks) and sophomore Josh Sweat, a former five-star recruit.
Senior Marquez White will man one starting cornerback spot while talented sophomores Tarvarus McFadden and Marcus Lewis battle for the other spot.
The Noles do have question marks at linebacker after losing seniors Reggie Northrup and Terrance Smith, but Florida State recruits well and there is talent at the position, starting with projected starters Matthew Thomas and Ro’Derrick Hoskins.
By The Numbers
Florida State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Florida State is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida State’s last 12 games
2016 Prediction
During Jimbo Fisher’s six-year stint in Tallahassee, Florida State has won at least 10 games five times wile losing just six games total over the last four years.
I like the value the Seminoles are offering as a +800 pick against their national championship futures odds, but until I see what kind of play they get out of the quarterback position and in the passing attack, I’m going to remain cautiously optimistic about the Noles.
The bottom line for college football betting enthusiasts is that Jimbo Fisher has been so consistently good that I believe the Seminoles are worth a wager to win it all at the very least!
