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Take Points With Florida State vs Florida

· Nov 17 - 4 minutes read

In-state rivalries can always be fun. Florida will host Florida State in an early-season measuring-stick game for both teams. This matchup could be intriguing for NCAA predictions today given that both programs are looking to start the season strong and a win or loss against a rival could define that.

The Seminoles opened with two easy wins, the last against Central Michigan 94-67. The Gators also won their last game, beating Florida A&M 89-68.

Take Points With Florida State vs Florida

Florida State First Test

Florida State has not been truly challenged. The Seminoles beat Kennesaw State and Central Michigan by identical 94-67 scores. Both wins are significant, but they won’t change NCAA basketball lines for the future because Florida State did not face an opponent at its level.

In the opening game, Darin Green Jr. led the team with 18 points while Cam Corhen was the only other starter in double figures with 10. Cam’Ron Fletcher also had 13 off the bench, but despite the big win, it was far from a star-studded opening game. Furthermore, none of the Seminoles played more than 25 minutes.

It was similar in the win over Central Michigan, except the starting lineup stayed on the court a little longer. That led to four starters in double figures, led by Jamir Watkins with 19 points and six rebounds. Green had another solid game, scoring 16 points, but it was a complete game for Florida State with six players over 10 points.

Not having played a legit opponent yet could be slightly concerning for Florida State’s college basketball odds. Facing Florida will be an actual measuring-stick game for the Seminoles.

Florida Features Balance

Florida will enter this game with a 2-1 record. The Gators opened the season with a comfortable 93-73 win over Loyola Maryland. However, they faced their first real test in Virginia, losing a close game 73-70. Facing Florida A&M helped the Gators get back on track, but the loss to Virginia is still concerning in college basketball lines.

The first three games were balanced offensively for the Gators, with six players averaging double-digit scoring. However, in the loss to Virginia, it became clear what the pecking order was. The starters played at least 26 minutes, and no player on the bench received more than 11.

Riley Kugel has been the leading scorer for the team but the All-SEC preseason selection has been very inconsistent. He started the season with a game-high 23 points against Loyola Maryland and led the Gators in scoring with 17 in the loss to Virginia. However, in the last game, Kugel shot 1 of 7 from the field, scoring just five points in 20 minutes.

Will Richard and Walter Clayton Jr. combined for 38 points to compensate for Kugel’s poor performance while Alex Condon scored 17 off the bench. If the Gators’ offensive talent continues to perform well, they could be a solid option in college basketball predictions.

Florida State vs Florida Best Bet

Even though Florida lost in its one test this season, that is still more of a challenge than anything Florida State has faced. That does make the Gators a little more prepared, especially seeing the offense spark despite Kugel having a bad game in the win over Florida A&M.

That makes Florida a great option to beat Florida State in college basketball picks but not cover the spread. This game should be close, and the spread is too large for an early-season rivalry game. Florida State has not been challenged but has the talent to be in lockstep with Florida.

College basketball Best Bet: Florida State +9 -110