The backdrop to what seemed to be an ordinary game between Louisiana-Monroe and Florida State has suddenly become a lot more complicated. The details could very easily shape the outcome of this game and how decisive it will turn out to be. More on that below:
Details
Odds: Seminoles -26.5
Date & Time: Saturday, December 2, 12:00 PM ET
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Broadcast: ACC Network
Reasons To Bet On The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
The difference between a lowly Sun Belt Conference team and a recognized national college football power such as Florida State is considerable, but something has now happened which gives Louisiana-Monroe a great chance to cover the spread. It is not yet official, but it is widely believed and agreed-upon in college football circles that Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher, due to conflicts with Florida State administrators over budgets for his staff and the building of modernized football facilities, has created so much friction that Florida State doesn’t want him anymore. The acrimony and unhappiness in Tallahassee built to a level no one could stomach. Fisher is therefore expected to take the Texas A&M job and officially join the Aggies on Sunday, one day after this game.
First of all, as of late Thursday night, it is not a sure thing that Fisher will even coach this game if Florida State administrators have their way. They are angry about the way Fisher has treated them and do not like the idea of Fisher coaching a game after he has privately – but not officially – made a decision to leave.
Even if Fisher coaches this game, there is so much uncertainty about whether he will take his assistant coaches to Texas A&M that it is very hard to gauge the level of interest among Florida State’s players. They might all decide to not play hard for a departing coaching staff. It is very easy to see players quit on this game. Louisiana-Monroe might not be a formidable team, but if Florida State isn’t interested in playing football under these circumstances, which is entirely understandable, the Warhawks could not merely cover the spread – they might even win outright.
Reasons To Bet On The Florida State Seminoles
If Florida State players play hard for Fisher and the coaching staff, there is obviously no doubt that Florida State will win big and very probably cover, but no one knows if that will be the case. If you are looking for an angle or reason to think that Florida State will play hard and try hard, it is simply this: Florida State is 5-6 and needs one more win to qualify for a bowl game. No bowl teams will make the bowl season with a 5-7 record, unlike the past few seasons. This year, six wins are needed, but if Florida State wins here, it will be extended a bowl invitation as long as it wants one, and if the players want a bowl bid, they will indeed play hard to get that bowl bid. It’s a tangible prize for players who could be tempted to go through the motions.
Outlook
The Seminoles opened up this game as a 27-point favorite. While there has been some big news in terms of what has happened on the sidelines, the line hasn’t moved much. Originally, Florida State went as high as -27.5. It has since come back down a full point to 26.5. It’ll be interesting to see how the Seminoles can adjust after losing their coach mid-week. As for the total. we saw the over-under open up at 64.5. It has moved back and forth slightly, but has inched up to 65.5 as bettors have liked the over.
Florida State might not tank the whole game, but it will be very hard for the Seminoles to play with full intensity for all 60 minutes. Florida State should win outright, but Louisiana-Monroe is very likely at this point to cover the large number. Take the underdog with the points in this spot.
Prediction: Warhawks +26.5
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