Clemson Football and the mystery of the shrinking spread

Maybe sharps legit think Florida State will be within a few points of Clemson

A ‘sharp’ is a bettor that is considered intelligent and astute. Sharps often review opening lines to see if any games interest them. If they see a spread they think is too high or too low, they will jump on it. When all the sharps are in agreement, then a lot of money comes in on one side, and the books move the line to compensate.

This would be the simplest explanation. The sharps saw the spread and said “I can get over a touchdown for Florida State? I’d be a fool not to bet this!” I suppose it’s possible, but does that sound right?

Clemson currently has the longest winning streak in the FBS. They are undefeated this season with two wins over Top 25 competition, one of which was on the road. Florida State has lost two games in a row, ironically to the two Top 25 teams Clemson defeated: Wake Forest and NC State. NC State lost star quarterback Devin Leary to injury but still beat the Seminoles.

Florida State was favored by 6.5 points over Wake Forest two weeks ago. NC State was a 3.5 favorite against Florida State in Raleigh, which means Clemson is favored on the road by the same amount State was favored at home.

Maybe the sharps and oddsmakers still have big-time respect for Florida State. Maybe they assume they just underestimated Wake Forest.

There could be something more to it, though.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change