The Jameis Winston era is over in Tallahassee, and with that comes a real sense that the Florida State Seminoles are about set to take a step backwards. They shouldn't struggle against the Texas State Bobcats in the opener, though you never know with an entirely new team being built by Jimbo Fisher.
ODDS ANALYSIS
After opening up at +29.5, the Bobcats have actually garnered a little bit of action in Week 1 of the season. They are down to +28, a move which seems to correspond directly with the total rising from 59.5 to 63.
Remember that this Texas State team averaged over 33 points per game a season ago. Yes, the Bobcats will be up against it versus Florida State's speedy defense no matter how many men have to be replaced from the last two years, but the insinuation here is that Texas State is scoring just 15-17 points in this one.
KEY MISMATCH
Florida State's season was lost last year due to so many youngsters with the ball in their hands. The good news about freshmen is that they all become sophomores. Now, the Seminoles have a more experienced group to help Everett Golson with the transition to the starting quarterback at FSU, and that could be bad news for a Texas State defense which has to be completely overhauled.
Remember that David Mayo won Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year last year for Texas State, but he has since graduated, leaving a gaping hole in this defense.
KEY STAT
5.5 – The number of yards per play the Seminoles allowed last season. Yes, FSU was good enough to get into the College Football Playoff because of Winston, but we know that the former Heisman Trophy winner isn't walking through those doors, and Everett Golson isn't going to be the ultimate panacea.
BETTING ANGLE
These two teams finished the year on different planes altogether. The Bobcats have covered six straight games and six straight on the road, and checks in 6-1 ATS in their last seven games played outside of the Sun Belt.
Florida State meanwhile, has failed to cover its last four, and is 0-6 ATS in its last six non-conference games dating back to the National Championship Game against Auburn.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Seminoles are going to win this game, but we think their offense is going to struggle just a bit. Golson is going to need to go through some growing pains, and if the battle between he and Sean Maguire was really that close, Noles fans could be cringing all fall long.
Texas State is taking some steps in the right direction, and it very well could score some points in this one. The Bobcats will stick in front of this massive number, but we don't see them posing any sort of massive threat in upsetting a team which hasn't lost a regular season game since the end of 2013.
Florida State 34, Texas State 20
The college football odds for this game were available first at BookMaker Sportsbook at the Florida State Seminoles -29.5 and a total of 59.5. Gamble on the game at every commercial with BookMaker's live betting feature. Along with an adjusted spread and total, you can wager on what will happen on the next drive. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting every. Click here, and start wagering today! Kick off for the game between the Texas State Bobcats and the Florida State Seminoles is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. The duel can be seen live on ESPNEWS.
