The rivalry between the Florida State Seminoles and Florida Gators has often been an elite matchup of two of the best teams in the country. Not this season. Both sides have struggled mightily in 2017, sitting under .500 on the year and in danger of missing bowl games.
Each side is 4-6 so another loss will eliminate them from bowl contention. It has been a really tough campaign for both of these Florida powerhouses and it remains to be seen which one has the proper intensity to pull out the victory. The Gators are at home but the Seminoles have the more talented team and should be favored despite the tough environment.
While there isn’t much on the line in this one, these teams don’t like to lose to the other and so this one could be intense because of the bragging rights.
This contest in Week 14 of the regular season will go down Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 12 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Florida State -5
Florida +5
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
While these teams have both underachieved, Florida State has been superior statistically and more competitive in its matchups. Therefore, the Seminoles are the road favorites, and they are receiving about 56 percent of the action to cover this spread.
The scoring total is extremely low for a college football game but that’s what happens when both offenses have struggled so much this year. The Seminoles are -205 on the moneyline while the Gators are listed at +172 to pull this upset. Florida is getting the majority of the action as that’s a nice payoff for a home underdog.
Player To Watch
Cam Akers -- Neither offense has put together the type of season it has wanted to thus far, as the skill players have failed to emerge as stars. The most impactful player on either offense might be Florida State running back Cam Akers.
The freshman has carried the ball 148 times for 779 yards and four touchdowns this season. Akers’ biggest game of the year came a few weeks ago against Syracuse, when he ran for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
In what could be a low-scoring duel, the team that runs the ball better could have the advantage, and Akers may be the most talented among the runners in this game.
Key Stat
15. Both teams were among the top-15 ranked programs in the country to begin the year but have badly underachieved. Florida has lost four of its past five games, with the only respite last time out against an undermanned UAB team. The Gators were blown out by No. 3 Georgia and have also suffered recent losses to South Carolina, Missouri and Texas A&M.
Florida State was supposed to be a national championship contender but the year hasn’t gone nearly as planned. The Seminoles are 2-3 in their past five games to fall in danger of missing a bowl. The Seminoles were able to hang with No. 4 Clemson for a little while a couple weeks back but lost 31-14, the latest sign that this team doesn’t have what it takes to compete against elite opponents.
Free ATS Pick
This is a season to forget for a pair of teams expected to compete for their conference championships. With not much to look forward to, this could be the pinnacle of the rest of the season on both sides. Florida State hasn’t been good by any stretch, but Florida has been even worse.
Take the Seminoles to go on the road and come away with the victory to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for a bowl game. Florida, though, is the choice to cover the spread as this margin should be small.
College Football Odds: Florida State 24, Florida 20
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
