Florida State Seminoles vs. Clemson Tigers: Spread and Predictions

Even the most rabid of college football fans would have trouble predicting what will happen in this game.

On paper, Florida State is the much more talented team, but this has the feel of a huge letdown game for them coming off of a deflating loss to Oklahoma last week at home.

Clemson will come into the game hot, as they defeated the Auburn Tigers at home last week, but will they be able to avoid a letdown after that emotional win?

Where: Death Valley in Clemson, South Carolina.

When: Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST. 

Watch: ESPN.

Spread

According to docsports.com, Bodog has Clemson as a two point favorite.

Go with FSU here. They are the more talented team and I'm not sold that Clemson is anything more than a middle of the pack ACC team.

Over/Under

Docsports.com and BookMaker.com both have the over/under on this game at 49.5.

As long as E.J. Manuel is still in question for FSU, go with the under here. Clint Trickett showed some mettle against OU, but he's no Manuel. On the other side, Tajh Boyd had a good game against Auburn, but FSU's athletes on defense will be able to slow down his scrambling.

Key Injuries

For FSU, quarterback E.J. Manuel is still questionable with a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Willie Haulstead will be out with concussion symptoms and fellow receiver Scooter Haggins will be out with a broken left hand. Receiver Kenny Holmes is unlikely to play after suffering a concussion against OU last week.

Receiver Bert Reed, cornerback Greg Reid and defensive end Everette Dawkins, all suffering from ankle injuries, are expected to play.

Clemson is relatively healthy. Guard David Smith (shoulder surgery), running back Andre Ellington (hamstring), safety Mansa Joseph (hamstring), tight end Darrell Smith (hamstring) and offensive lineman Mason Cloy (shoulder) are all dealing with minor injuries, but all are expected to play except David Smith, who is questionable.

BCS Top 25 Poll Implications

FSU is still trying to prove that they are the team to beat in the ACC. A win here and they are still in the pole position to win the conference. A win against Clemson may even put them back in the Top 10. However, if they lose, they are completely out of the national title discussion and their status as the ACC's best team has to be questioned.

Clemson is looking to emerge as a darkhorse team to win the conference. With a win over FSU, they will officially be that. They would also likely be inside the Top 15 in the next poll.

Keys to FSU Win

FSU must come out and play fast. If they start out flat, Clemson will sense it and take advantage. If Clint Trickett is the quarterback, they have to establish the run to help him out. If E.J. Manuel returns, he must get the ball to his speedy receivers on the edges.

Keys to Clemson Win

Clemson has to play physical. FSU wants to get out and run past the Tigers, but if Clemson can get to the quarterback and play bump coverage on the Seminole receivers then they will have a shot to slow down the FSU offense.

Prediction

I'm not feeling an upset here. I think it will be close because Clemson is a talented team, but Florida State is just too good to lose. Clemson won't have the speed to keep up with the Seminoles' speedsters and FSU will be able to bottle up Tajh Boyd.