Saturday, September 27, 2014

CarterFinley Stadium in Raleigh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

FSU (3-0) is doing what a #1 team should do; grind out gritty games in any way possible. Their Heisman Trophy winner returns from a suspension and the Seminoles look to prove that N.C State's similar perfect start (4-0) is nothing more than a mirage from playing against weak opponents. Oddsmakers aren't giving the Wolfpack much credit as 3 TD underdogs at home, but surprisingly they've won outright 3 of the last 4 times the teams have met in Raleigh.

Florida State had to score two fourth quarter TD's to beat Oklahoma State 37-31 in the opener and came back late again last week with a 74-yard TD from Sean Maguire to Rashad Greene to force OT and ultimately beat Clemson 23-17. FSU completely abandoned the run against Clemson, rushing for just 13 yards compared to over 300 in the air. That being said their defense really stepped up, holding the Clemson attack to 101 yards on 40 carries. The 'Noles may appear to be holding onto that #1 ranking by a thread, but a repeat of their 49-17 beating of the Wolfpack last year could go a long way in restoring that swagger.

N.C State is rebuilding under head coach Dave Doeren, who is in his second year after coming to Raleigh from Northern Illinois University. The Wolfpack struggled last season at 3-9 but have already eclipsed last year's win total with a perfect start. N.C State has played 21 freshmen already in 2014, including defensive stalwarts Jerod Fernandez and Thomas Deal. They'll have to grow up in a hurry against Winston, who threw for 292 yards and 3 TD against them last season. The Wolfpack do have experience at QB though as talented junior Jacoby Brissett has thrown for 1005 yards with 10TD and just 1 INT on the season. N.C State does love to run the ball to though with a top 25 ground attack going up against an FSU team that has allowed 170.7 YPG on the ground this year.

Very few players from both sides from the 2012 game which N.C State won 17-16. That being said Winston has given the Wolfpack student body plenty to get riled up and chant about and the sophomore QB could get frustrated early. FSU likely gets the win, but the Wolfpack has a much better chance than most people are giving them.

Florida State Seminoles Betting Trends

Florida State Seminoles are 0-3-0 Against the Spread

Florida State Seminoles are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Trends

North Carolina State Wolfpack are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

North Carolina State Wolfpack are 2-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Florida State Seminoles

09/21/14 QB Jameis Winston Suspension Served missed last game, probable Saturday vs. NC State
09/21/14 DL Justin Shanks Leg "?" Saturday vs. NC State
09/21/14 DB Mario Edwards Concussion "?" Saturday vs. NC State
09/21/14 LB Ukeme Eligwe Foot "?" Saturday vs. NC State
09/05/14 LB Matthew Thomas Suspension out indefinitely
08/28/14 LB Delvin Purifoy Leg out for season
08/16/14 WR Isaiah Jones Academics out for season

North Carolina State Wolfpack

08/28/14 LB Coult Culler Undisclosed out indefinitely
08/28/14 LB Ty Linton Knee out indefinitely
08/11/14 LB M.J. Salahuddin Knee out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take Florida State

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