FSU basketball: Will Noles cover spread against Notre Dame?

FSU basketball will host Notre Dame Saturday night in hopes of winning their 10th straight game. Can they cover the spread?

No. 5 FSU basketball (16-2, 6-1 ACC) enters their game against Notre Dame (11-7, 2-5 ACC) on a nine game winning streak.

They haven’t played since their overtime come from behind win over rival Miami last Saturday and should be well rest in front of the home crowd.

A home crowd that’s used to the Noles playing well and winning as FSU has one of the best home records in college basketball over the past few years.

The Noles will enter the game as eight point betting favorites. I think most people expect FSU basketball to win, but I’m more interested in if they’ll cover the spread. That’s what great teams do.

FSU basketball is 8-9-1 against the spread on the season and have failed to cover in their last two games against Virginia and Miami. Oddsmakers are expecting a score similar to 76-68 with the over/under at 143. The Fighting Irish come into the game losers of two of their last three.

They aren’t a great shooting team but they rebound the ball well and don’t beat themselves with turnovers as they average under 10 per game. Notre Dame isn’t great from the free throw line checking in at 70 percent.

The Noles average nearly 10 steals per game and five blocks while using defense to fuel their offense.

The Fighting Irish are 3-3 on the road against the spread but just 8-9-1 overall. The fact Notre Dame doesn’t turn the ball over is concerning.

Their ability to rebound is also concerning as that’s a weakness that’s been exploited by other teams this season. I think this game is going to be tougher than most suspect even though it’s a home game.

Maybe the Noles cover if they shoot lights out but that’s something we haven’t seen since the Louisville game.  I like the Noles to win the game but I’m not sure I’d trust them against the spread.