LSU Tigers at Florida State Seminoles Betting Preview
In a highly-anticipated college football showdown, two powerhouse teams from the preseason Associated Press Top 10 rankings will converge at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on Sunday night.
This eagerly awaited matchup features the 5th-ranked LSU Tigers facing off against the 9th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, making it the focal point of Week 1 in the college football season.
Florida State enters the season with great optimism under the guidance of their fourth-year head coach, Mike Norvell. In the previous season, they capped off an impressive 10-3 record, securing a thrilling 35-32 victory over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl. The Seminoles also made their mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play, finishing with a commendable 5-3 record and landing 11th in the AP Poll.
Meanwhile, LSU, boasting a 10-4 record, clinched the SEC West title before facing a formidable challenge in the SEC title game, where they succumbed to Georgia with a score of 50-30.
Nevertheless, they bounced back emphatically with a resounding 63-7 triumph over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl, earning them a 16th-place ranking in the final AP Poll.
As the game approaches, the LSU Tigers are favored by -2.5 points over the Florida State Seminoles, with a total points line set at 56.5. Expect a thrilling clash as these college football giants vie for supremacy on the gridiron.
Seminoles Looking to Bust Out
The Florida State sideline boasts an abundance of talent, and this team is poised for continuous improvement throughout the season. The appointment of Mike Norvell has been a transformative force, resurrecting a program that had languished in mediocrity for several years.
Notably, the Seminoles intend to deploy four transfers on the offensive front, with former Michigan State standout Keon Coleman among them. Additionally, the acquisition of tight end Jaheim Bell promises to significantly bolster the offensive arsenal, providing ample support for quarterback Jordan Travis.
The running back position is set to be anchored by Trey Benson, who came tantalizingly close to a 1,000-yard rushing season last year, falling short by a mere 10 yards.
Returning alongside Benson is Johnny Wilson, who served as Travis’s primary target in the previous season. Wilson’s rapport with Coleman forms a formidable receiver duo, further enhancing the Seminoles’ offensive prowess.
Tigers High Hopes in 2023
Brian Kelly brings back several of his team’s prospects. The Tigers are welcoming back Jayden Daniels as their quarterback, and his growth from the previous season is particularly exciting. Daniels concluded the last season with an impressive tally of 2,913 passing yards and an additional 885 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat abilities.
His passing accuracy, just shy of 69%, reflects his precision on the field. Furthermore, the return of his primary target from the previous season, Malik Nabers, adds to the team’s offensive firepower, given that Nabers exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in 2022.
In the rushing department, the Tigers are bolstered by the presence of top running back Josh Williams, who led the team with 532 rushing yards, albeit falling short in touchdowns compared to Noah Cain, who is also making a comeback.
While the Tigers’ defense will see some new faces, with five transfers like Jordan Jefferson and Omar Spieghts projected to start, there’s no denying the evident talent within the Tigers’ ranks. Although it might take some time to gel, the potential is unmistakable.
Seminoles Spring Early Upset
We like the Florida State Seminoles to win this game. Jordan Travis gets loose a couple of too many times, and the Seminoles’ defense locks up.
What a big win for Florida State to start the season. Take Florida State at +2.5, and grab them on the moneyline. Enjoy the big game on Sunday!
