Both teams coming off a bye week, FSU needed that more after playing a far more brutal schedule than UNC. FSU in more of an "emergency" mode for this game due to bowl eligibility if they don't get some wins going. FSU players probably suspect that this is the end for Bobby, and would like to send him out in a bowl. FSU has never lost four straight games under Bowden (would happen tonite).
FSU offense is superb but is a threat to lay an egg when you don't suspect it (Jacksonville St, USF). Strong UNC defense will be able to contain Ponder somewhat, especially on fresh legs. I expect FSU to score below their season avg of 30 ppg.
FSU defense has been horrible this year, but remember that FSU has played the fourth toughest schedule in college football to date. On the flip side, UNC has played the 92nd toughest schedule. The UNC offense is beyond pathetic, managing only 13 ppg vs FBS colleges. However, with 12 days to prepare and with FSU missing two defensive starters, I expect the offense to score at least 17 points in this game.
Ponder is a far better QB than Yates, the guy can also run (like Yates) and Ponder leads the ACC in overall passing. Turnovers will factor into this game. FSU has forced 15 turnovers this year, and Yates is prone to the INT (7 so far vs only 1 for Ponder).
UNC will be fired up no doubt, since this is their first ever Thurs night game. But FSU will also be motivated with the hopes of saving their season in primetime and reminding everyone who they are. I give FSU a very solid shot of winning this game SU. However, with FSU's flaky offensive tendencies this year, I will take a safer play. I am teasing this game (-110) to FSU +9, game under 55. If you take all of the games that these two teams have played this year and put an O/U line of 55 on all of them, the under wins with a record of 9-3.
MY play: 2-team teaser (-110) FSU +9 / Game under 55
$320 to win $291
FSU offense is superb but is a threat to lay an egg when you don't suspect it (Jacksonville St, USF). Strong UNC defense will be able to contain Ponder somewhat, especially on fresh legs. I expect FSU to score below their season avg of 30 ppg.
FSU defense has been horrible this year, but remember that FSU has played the fourth toughest schedule in college football to date. On the flip side, UNC has played the 92nd toughest schedule. The UNC offense is beyond pathetic, managing only 13 ppg vs FBS colleges. However, with 12 days to prepare and with FSU missing two defensive starters, I expect the offense to score at least 17 points in this game.
Ponder is a far better QB than Yates, the guy can also run (like Yates) and Ponder leads the ACC in overall passing. Turnovers will factor into this game. FSU has forced 15 turnovers this year, and Yates is prone to the INT (7 so far vs only 1 for Ponder).
UNC will be fired up no doubt, since this is their first ever Thurs night game. But FSU will also be motivated with the hopes of saving their season in primetime and reminding everyone who they are. I give FSU a very solid shot of winning this game SU. However, with FSU's flaky offensive tendencies this year, I will take a safer play. I am teasing this game (-110) to FSU +9, game under 55. If you take all of the games that these two teams have played this year and put an O/U line of 55 on all of them, the under wins with a record of 9-3.
MY play: 2-team teaser (-110) FSU +9 / Game under 55
$320 to win $291
