It’s difficult to believe that here we are not quite to the middle of October and Clemson football will be playing their last ACC road game Saturday in Tallahassee, Florida against the Florida State Seminoles.
It seems like just yesterday we were grilling and prepping for the Labor Day opener against Georgia Tech, yet here we are halfway through the regular season.
This one has been weird from the start in that the line opened at Clemson at -7.5, quickly moved to -6.5, and then -3.5, where it has stayed.
We were mystified as to why, but some answers were given on the Stanford Steve and The Bear podcast where John Murray of the Westgate indicated a big bet from someone they trust came in on Florida State and that the “smart guys” don’t trust this Clemson team, so they moved the line from 4.5 down to 3.5.
That’s fine and dandy, as I still have some questions about the Tigers, but it also implies you trust Florida State, at least at some level. That seems rather odd at this point of the season.
This game is in Tallahassee and at night, so sure, give the Seminoles a point or two, but it’s difficult to believe there’s much more there.
There’s also the fact that Clemson is getting healthier on defense, while Florida State’s offensive line has been less than stellar. Bryan Bresee is back this week and maybe Xavier Thomas plays more than 6 snaps.
I freely admit I just don’t get the Seminoles love in this spot.
There could be something I’m missing. Maybe there’s an injury nobody knows about or some other circumstance that would drive this number down to 3.5, where even a 27-23 Tiger win covers.
Best Bet: Clemson -3.5
Sure, that hook worries me, but I truly believe Clemson is the better team here, particularly with the way D.J. Uiagalelei has been playing and with the Clemson defense getting healthier. FSU will struggle to run the ball, which will lead to pressure being applied to Jordan Travis by the deep and talented Clemson defensive line.
For Clemson football, protecting D.J. Uiagalelei should be job one Saturday night
If the Tiger offensive line protects D.J., the Tigers are in good shape.
Jordan Travis will make some plays against a sometimes overaggressive Tiger defense, but Florida State has yet to prove they can perform in the clutch.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change