The Clemson Tigers are right where they want to be as a top-four team in the nation heading in to Week 11 at 8-1. They know very well they can’t afford to slip up against one of their biggest rivals this week. Clemson will host the Florida State Seminoles in the latest edition of this ACC rivalry. While the Seminoles aren’t a contender this season at 3-5, the Tigers aren’t about to overlook what should be another tough challenge. Head coach Dabo Swinney talked about the dangers of playing Florida State when he said that his team will face the “very best version” of this year’s Seminoles on Saturday. Clemson is listed as a 17.5-point favorite and while they should win at home the real question is whether or not they can score enough points to cover such an inflated line.
Details
Odds: Clemson -16
Date & Time: Saturday November 11th, 2017 – 3:30 PM ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN
Reasons To Bet On The Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles took a substantial hit with the loss of star quarterback Deondre Francois in their season-opening loss to Alabama. While Florida State has fallen to 3-5 on the season, head coach Dabo Swinney has done an excellent job making sure his team is in most games. The Seminoles have suffered three losses by six points or less so at their best they could keep this game close and cover as substantial underdogs. Freshman quarterback James Blackman has had his highs and lows since taking over for Francois at the start of the season. He will need to be at his best in order to give Florida State a legitimate chance to win this game. Meanwhile, the Seminoles could get a boost with the return of running back Jacques Patrick, who has been out for a month due to injury. Florida State will look to establish the run early to take some of the pressure off of Blackman. If they are able to effectively move the ball on the ground then it will open up the passing game for Blackman to go over the top.
Reasons To Bet On The Clemson Tigers
The Tigers will turn to a defense that ranks among the best in the country on Saturday. Clemson returned eight starters on that side of the ball this year and could strangle the Florida State offense with strong play beginning up front once again this week. The Tigers have allowed just 15.1 points per game this season, which is the eighth-best mark in the entire country. Meanwhile, Clemson has done an excellent job of pounding the ball on the ground with its rushing attack this season. Running backs Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne have combined to average over 7.0 yards per carry this season. Meanwhile, quarterback Kelly Bryant has been just as good running the ball with his legs as he has been throwing it with his arm. Bryant leads the Tigers with 548 rushing yards while throwing for 1,773 yards this season. Bryant can add a signature win to his resume with a victory this Saturday over the rival Seminoles.
Outlook
We’ve seen plenty of movement on this betting line as the Clemson Tigers opened up at -17.5. However, most of the early money was on the Florida State Seminoles as the line fell as low as -15.5. It has since moved back up to -16. The total opened up at 46 and has stayed there.
Clemson has won each of the past two meetings between these teams and will be tough to beat at home. The Tigers should be able to win this game but the question is whether or not Florida State will be able to keep it close. The Seminoles have had some close calls this season and Jimbo Fisher’s guys should be motivated to upset Clemson on the road in what could be a season-defining victory. The Tigers will win this game but Florida State will keep it close and cover at home.
Pick: Florida State +16
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