FSU football small road betting favorites against Clemson

No. 4 FSU football avoid a huge upset bid by the Boston College Eagles Saturday afternoon. Clemson took care of business against an overmatched FAU program Saturday night to set up Saturday’s game in Death Valley.

The game has lost some of its luster since Clemson lost their season opener against Duke. However, the game still has major implications in the ACC Championship race. The Noles are small road favorites at -2 and a 55 over/under point total. If FSU defeats Clemson, it will control its destiny the rest of the season.

If Clemson defeats FSU, it puts itself back in the mix. I projected FSU to beat Clemson before the season, and oddmakers agree, even with FSU looking lackluster for big parts of the Boston College game. Clemson rolled FAU, but it’s all about the matchups each week. Plus, FSU had some starters out against Boston College, and there are rumors some FSU players had the flu the last two weeks.

Nevertheless, FSU has faced two outstanding mobile quarterbacks, and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik does not quite fit that bill, which should make it somewhat easier to prepare. FSU has already faced a talented defensive front and one of the best linebackers in nation with LSU.

However, Clemson doesn’t have the wide receivers LSU does, and I’m not sure their offensive line can hold up for four quarters against FSU’s defensive front.

Can Clemson establish a traditional run game? FSU has been stout against running backs all season, but Clemson has Will Shipley, who can be a threat in the passing game. Can FSU establish the run against Clemson? It’s something they’ve struggled with the last couple of weeks, but I’m not sure FSU has unveiled every wrinkle they have.

They ran the ball down Clemson’s throat last year, but struggled to convert in third and fourth in short situations. They added guys from the transfer portal to remedy that problem. If Jordan Travis has a strong game and FSU avoids turnovers? I like FSU to take care of business.