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FSU Football: Oddsmaker says Francois a difference maker against Bama

By Kelvin Hunt

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) runs off the field during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) runs off the field during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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FSU football has a lot of talent returning for 2017 season. One oddsmaker believe Deondre Francois is the difference maker against Alabama.

FSU football is beginning to prepare for the Alabama Crimson Tide in what will be one of the most anticipated matchups on the 2017 slate.

Two of the most talented football teams in the country squaring off, but one oddsmaker believes FSU has the difference maker when it comes to winning that game.

Danny Sheridan appeared on the Paul Finebaum show and said he thinks the FSU/Alabama game could end up like Clemson/Alabama. Transcription taken from Al.com:

"“My thought is there is no question Alabama is well coached and has great athletes. They can do whatever they want, but, as a handicapper, if they rush four men like they did against Clemson, they are going to have the same result against Florida State. …“When Alabama plays a dual-threat quarterback, Deondre Francois, a guy like that, I always pick the underdog. The reason is you can’t rush four.”"

Thoughts

Sheridan said he would have Alabama as four point favorites against the ‘Noles on the neutral field in Atlanta. FSU is currently around a touchdown underdog according to most betting sites.

I’m not sure Sheridan has watched much FSU football if he’s comparing Deondre Francois to Deshaun Watson. Francois isn’t the same threat to run as Francois, and isn’t nearly as accurate as a passer either although there were signs of improvement in the spring game.

When Francois runs, it’s usually off designed runs like the one below:

Francois CAN scramble, but he’s not the same threat as Watson. The biggest factor for Francois against Alabama is can he keep the offense ahead of the sticks? They have to win on first and second down, and have to win on special teams.

The FSU defense will face much more of a running threat from Bama’s Jalen Hurts than Alabama will from Francois.

FSU will likely try to do the following offensively:

  • Run the ball first and foremost
  • Take shots deep on Alabama’s suspect secondary
  • Throw on first down when matchup allows

I don’t think Jimbo Fisher will run Francois a ton in that game because of the lack of depth at the quarterback position.

Next: Nick Saban Playing Mind Games With FSU

It would be a disaster to bring in JJ Cosentino, and the other option would be true freshman Bailey Hockman.

The great thing about it is we’re just three months away from this epic matchup to see how it all shakes out!

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