FSU Football: Why do early betting lines favor Miami over Noles?
By Kelvin Hunt
Miami finally beat FSU football for the first time in nearly in decade in 2017, and it took a perfect storm for it to happen.
FSU football will be looking to recapture the state title in 2018 after its legitimate claim to the title ended last year with its last second loss to Miami.
Of course Miami lucked its way to a 10 win season and the Noles limped to seven wins while playing a much more difficult schedule.
It took FSU playing a true freshman QB and Charles Kelly defense that couldn’t make any sort of second half adjustments against Miami to pull off the last second win.
In fact, I’m not even sure if Miami crossed mid-field in the first half before lighting the Noles up in the second half.
Florida State Seminoles Football
Now, I’ve bet enough in my lifetime to know Vegas is right way more times that not. However, I can’t fathom why they have Miami as such a big betting favorite in 2018?
I understand the game is at Doak South and some of the Miami fans will actually show up since the program has a pulse for the first time in years.
Miami returns the same inaccurate quarterback from last year. FSU returns a much more experienced QB regardless of if its James Blackman or Deondre Francois.
The Noles ran for over 200 yards against the “vaunted” Miami defense last season with virtually non consistent passing game.
Thoughts
FSU’s offense will be built around the run game and Miami lost quite a bit off its defensive line and lacks depth.
Finally, FSU’s defense is projected to be better this year than 2017 with the upgrade in coaching with Harlon Barnett.
Miami has struggled to run the ball the past few years against the Noles and that will likely continue in 2018.
Looking at how these teams match up, it should more of a pick’em game instead of Miami as the favorite.
Does Vegas really have that much faith in Miami QB Malik Rosier, or is the line bait playing off the hype of a Miami team that finally won 10 games last season?
Those in the know understand Miami fell off like Big Mac toppings in the final three games of the season and easily could have had five or six losses last season.
That was without starting a true freshman at QB basically the entire season. Tell us how you feel about the line. Is it too high, too low or just right?
Next: Ranking FSU's Toughest Games For 2018
Give me the points all day and the money line for FSU football.