Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 2-4 ATS) at North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-4, 1-4 ATS) Carter-Finley Stadium Raleigh, N.C. Saturday October 31st, 12:00PM Eastern
By Jay Horne of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Florida State -8.5/NC State +8.5
Over/Under: 64.5
The Florida State Seminoles rallied from behind last week against North Carolina to overcome a 24-6 deficit to come back and beat the Tarheels 30-27. The win was absolutely huge for Florida State as they avoided their 5th loss in just 7 games. Perhaps the inspired comeback victory will keep the critics off Coach Bobby Bowden for at least another week until the Seminoles roll into Raleigh this weekend to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
The Wolfpack have a similar 3-4 record this year and similar disappointments as they anticipated a much better season. Outside of the Tarheels, North Carolina State is the only other team in the ACC without a conference victory. All of North Carolina State's wins have come at home this season where usually play well. The Wolfpack will try to use the home field advantage this weekend and derail any momentum built by Florida State from last Thursday's dramatic victory.
A lot of the North Carolina State expectations were built around the offense. The offense has not been bad averaging 391 yards per game, but they have not been exactly dominated like some may have predicted. Quarterback Russell Wilson got off to a slow start, but has thrown the ball fairly well. Wilson has thrown for 1,659 yards with 16 touchdowns and only 4 picks on the season. North Carolina State has a fairly balanced offense, but the passing game remains the strength of the team.
Wilson has found confidence in receivers Jarvis Williams and George Bryan. Both targets have caught over 300 yards on the season with 4 touchdowns a piece. Running back Toney Baker has made a solid contribution on the ground. Baker has 401 yards with a strong 5.3 yards per carry averaging to go along with 6 total touchdowns. However judging by how severely the Florida State secondary has struggled this season, the Wolfpack will look for Wilson to lead them to victory in the passing game.
Seminoles QB Christian Ponder should be given most the credit for last week's comeback victory. Ponder completed an insane 82% against the Tarheels completing 33 of 40 passing for 395 yards and 3 touchdowns. If the Seminoles quarterback keeps playing like that, then it will make Florida State difficult to beat no matter whom is the competition. However, the excellent showing should not have been a big surprise. Ponder has carried the offense all year completing 70% while racking up 2,176 yards and 12 touchdowns.
BET THE NC STATE WOLFPACK AT +28.5 USING A 20 POINT TEASER AT 5DIMES. THEY ALSO OFFER UP TO 15 POINT BUYS ON ANY SINGLE SIDE OR TOTAL!
The Seminoles rank 8th nationally throwing the ball for 311 yards per game. Wide receivers Bert Reed and Rod Owens have benefited from Ponder's play racking up more than 400 yards a piece catching the football. However, there are plenty more talented targets including Richard Goodman and Jarmon Fortson who will surely get into the mix. The Seminoles running game has been non-existent as they keep the ball in Ponder's hands and rely on his arm about 90% of the time. North Carolina State is allowing 27 points per game this season which should allow Florida State to score some points. The Seminoles have been involved in a few scoring shootouts this season and they hope to be on the winning side similar to last week's big victory.
One thing you have not heard mentioned is defense. Neither team has been rather strong on the defensive side of the ball. Both defenses rank 10th and 11th in the conference in scoring defense. Also both pass defenses have been rather weak as well. However, North Carolina State may have the edge as they have the better all around unit on the defensive side of the ball giving up 100 less yards per game on average. Not only should the Wolfpack defense have the edge, but Wilson should be able to take advantage of the Seminole secondary and score their first ACC victory.
Jay's Pick - If North Carolina State can not get the victory, they should be able to stay within the points. +8.5.
HEY! Don't forget that we offer free NFL football picks for this Sunday's games!
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
