Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers Betting Preview: Clemson Defense Needs to Shine Again to Stop Streaking Seminoles

With neither team in the hunt for anything “special” this season, this is the most meaningless Florida State-Clemson in a decade.

Still, you can bet the Tigers are going to be glad to make sure that the Seminoles do not get any big ideas about a true changing of the guard in the ACC.

FSU is on a three-game winning streak, but the Seminoles need a big win to really show that things are headed in the right direction under coach Mike Norvell. I am not sure they can get it in this matchup, but would beating Clemson this season even qualify?

Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 2-2 ACC) vs Clemson Tigers (4-3, 3-2 ACC), ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET

Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers College Football Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Florida State Seminoles +310
• Clemson Tigers -420

Total

• OVER 47.5 (-110)
• UNDER 47.5 (-110)

Spread

• Florida State Seminoles +9.5 (-110)
• Clemson Tigers -9.5 (-110)

Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers college football betting odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Friday, October 29, 2021 at 10:31 a.m. ET.

Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers Best Bet

Clemson -9.5

After an 0-4 start, FSU has won three straight. Clobbering UMass last week was to be expected, and wins against North Carolina and Syracuse have shown that this program can be competitive in the ACC. In all of those wins, they have scored at least 33 points, but moving the ball against Clemson is going to be much tougher. They are having success running the ball this season, but they are still looking for more consistency throwing it. That offensive mix is going to make it hard to score points against one of the best defenses in college football.

Clemson has three losses this season. The last time that happened was in 2014. The losses are surprising, but none of them are all that bad. They lost their opener to Georgia, who is now #1. They lost in double overtime at N.C. State, who has been ranked this season. And last week’s loss was at Pittsburgh, who is having their best season in some time.

Putrid Offense Putting Tigers in Peril

What has been bad is the offense. They can’t run the ball. They can’t throw it either. For the season, they are averaging only 20 points per game, but that is being propped up by a 49-point showing against FCS South Carolina State. Their loss to N.C. State is the only other game in which they have scored 20 or more points.

On the positive side, the defense has been really strong and ranks 4th in the FBS in points allowed. For them to beat the Seminoles, another strong defensive performance is needed.

It is not very comfortable taking a significant favorite that can’t score, but that is where I am leaning here. That defense has done a great job against all opponents this season, and as long as that continues, the offense will have a chance to find something, anything, that works.

Florida State might not be truly dreadful, but I cannot start backing them just yet. The Tigers, who are 0-7 ATS this season, have burned us time and again, but they are the play here. Just bet it and forget it. Don’t watch.

Florida State vs Clemson College Football Score Prediction

Clemson 30, Florida State 13