2014
Florida State
Football Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
There’s not much to say about Florida State that people don’t already know. They were 14-0 last year and could easily reach that level again in 2014. Almost every preseason ranking has the Seminoles as the No. 1 team. While they lost plenty of talent to the NFL, they also have a good amount returning, not to mention quality depth from last year.
Florida State is currently favored to win the National Title at most sportsbooks including 5 dimes and sportsbook.ag where they are 5 to 1 to win it all.
Jameis Winston is back for his second year leading the team and it’s hard to fathom that he’s only a sophomore. Winston posted 4,057 yards, 40 TDs, 10 INTs and a 66.9% completion percentage. He loses the big TD threat of Kelvin Benjamin (15 TDs) and his top running back Devonta Freeman, but it’s hard to see the offense taking a step back because of that. Karlos Williams (730 yards, 11 TDs) should step in as the starting RB with Rashad Greene back as Winston’s No. 1 target in the passing Game. Then you still have all-Conference tight end Nick O’Leary (7 TDs) in the mix.
FSU’s offensive line is stocked with seniors and could be one of the best in the nation, as long as they stay healthy. They don’t have much depth on the line, which could be a problem if injuries come about. Still, there’s not much about this group that isn’t likeable and they could easily average 50-plus points per Game again.
The defense did even better than the offense last year, allowing a nation-best 12.1 points per Game. The ‘Noles lost all of their stand-out defenders, but as expected, they have plenty of guys to fill in those spaces due to great recruiting classes over the past few years.
DE Mario Edwards and LB Terrance Smith will lead their respective units and both have all-ACC ability. In the secondary Jalen Ramsey can do it all, having played at corner and safety last season. The regulars from last year may not be there, but the guys filling those spots shouldn’t have too much trouble.
One look at Florida State’s Schedule and it’s easy to see why they’re a favorite again to finish with an undefeated regular season. Even with a mildly difficult non-Conference Schedule (Oklahoma State, Florida, Notre Dame), the rest of the ACC is just not at the same level the Seminoles are at.
FSU’s biggest troubles in the Conference will come against Louisville and Miami FL on the road. That’s not saying a whole lot about the ACC. Clemson will be a fun Game early in the year, but remember Florida State dominated that matchup 51-14 on the road last season.
A loss would definitely be a disappointment for the Seminoles and as long as injuries don’t get out of hand, they should make it undefeated. However, don’t expect as big of blow outs earlier in the season, while the defense finds its bearings. Remember, they allowed 34 points to Boston College early in the 2013 season.
2014 Florida State Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Oklahoma State (in Arlington)
Sept. 6 vs. Citadel
Sept. 20 vs. Clemson
Sept. 27 at NC State
Oct. 4 vs. Wake Forest
Oct. 11 at Syracuse
Oct. 18 vs. Notre Dame
Oct. 30 at Louisville
Nov. 8 vs. Virginia
Nov. 15 at Miami (FL)
Nov. 22 vs. Boston College
Nov. 29 vs. Florida