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Tigers, as Rare Home Underdogs, Ready to Bite ‘Noles

· Sep 21 - 4 minutes read

In a marquee matchup of ACC powers, undefeated Florida State travels to Clemson to take on the Tigers. Below we reveal our college football straight up picks in this matchup after watching the Seminoles escape the clutches of Boston College last week while Clemson was busy hammering lightly regarded Florida Atlantic.

Seminoles Survive

Florida State may have started to believe their press clippings last week as the No. 3 team in the nation and looked right on past Boston College toward its date with Clemson.

Tigers, as Rare Home Underdogs, Ready to Bite ‘Noles

After falling behind 10-3 with only a few minutes gone in the second quarter, the Seminoles’ offense awoke and put the pedal to the medal, scoring 28 straight points and validating all those who not only picked FSU -27½, but also the futures bettors who liked the Noles’ college football odds to win the national championship.

However, reality came fast and hard as Florida State reverted to its first-quarter malaise and BC came roaring back late in the third quarter by scoring three touchdowns in a row. Yet, it was a case of too little too late for the Eagles as the Seminoles escaped the leafy enclave of Chestnut Hill with a 31-29 victory.

Tigers Roar… and Cover

After beginning the season with a surprising loss to Duke, Clemson waxed FCS entry Charleston Southern 66-17 and last week walloped Florida Atlantic of the American Athletic Conference 48-14, covering the 24½-point impost.

Although NCAA football betting is often filled with huge favorites at the beginning of the season, Clemson proved that they were worthy of laying the big lumber early on as the defense came up with a pick-six when Nate Wiggins took the rock 46 yards to the house and put the Tigers on the board.

Fast forward to the fourth quarter and all the chalk eaters were counting their money as the Tigers held a 41-0 lead before the Owls responded with two touchdowns of their own in the final frame. Sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik tossed three touchdowns while three different Clemson rushers all had a taste of the end zone in the blowout victory.

Florida State vs Clemson Betting Lines

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Florida State vs Clemson Best Bet

The NCAA football odds Sept. 23rd at the sportsbook is offering the Seminoles as 2½-point road favorites over the Tigers. But if the money line is the way you’re inclined when you’re sports betting online, then you will find Florida State -130 with a return of +110 on the Tigers.

110%, you know it when you see it.

We saw it on the fake punt attempt, @BrannonSpector 🐅 pic.twitter.com/XYEHDlCOrQ

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 18, 2023

With all due respect to the oddsmakers and the college football odds offered on this particular game, I humbly suggest they have the wrong favorite. Yup, I know the Seminoles are 3-0 and are ranked No. 4 in the nation – dropping only one slot after last week’s lethargic performance – but I do believe they will have serious issues with the Tigers at Death Valley.

Look, I realize we can’t take trends too far as teams change coaches, players graduate or move on to the next level, etc. but consider for a moment that Clemson has defeated Florida State seven straight times and has covered the number in the last five consecutive meetings!

I question the mental fortitude of the Seminoles and believe the Clemson defense will ultimately rise and tell the tale of this one. Grab the points if you like but put a few bucks on the moneyline as well and bet on the Tigers.

College Football Picks: Clemson +2½ (-110) and Clemson Moneyline (+110)