Florida State has now crested the 70-point mark at the few offshore books offering a line on the game against Savannah State. That's the largest spread in college football history. Yes, the same Savannah State Tigers who lost 84-0 to Oklahoma State after the Cowboys pulled their starters in the first quarter (quarter, not half). Granted, lines for FBS-FCS contests have not been around for that long (they are offered only at off-shore establishments). Still, this one is ridiculous.
Will Florida State cover line? I'm not so sure.
First, FSU is probably a bit embarrassed to be playing the Tigers in the first place. It's an ultra-cheap opponent (under a half million). Blowing the doors off them only draws more attention to the game. Teams scoring 60 don't draw attention. But get up in the 80s? That makes Sportscenter. I think the coaching staff is very conscious of not doing that.
Second, FSU does not play at the same pace of Oklahoma State (no huddle spread attack). A team can still score only 7 points per possession, and if FSU runs the ball a lot, milks clock, it might get only 9 possessions (unlikely, but still). Nine possessions and seven points a touchdown is 63 points. That would be juuuuust fine with FSU.
On to Week 2 gambling!
My season record for college football gambling picks sits at 6-7 (46%) -$170 after Week 1. Alabama, BYU, Clemson, Northern Illinois, Marshall and Georgia Tech were definitely the correct sides. However SMU, Tulsa (which lost its star receiver during the game to an ACL tear), Southern Miss/Nebraska Under, Miami/BC Under and FIU were flat wrong wagers. Frustratingly, Minnesota and Michigan State controlled their games and outgained UNLV and Boise, respectively, by a large margin, but failed to cover due to some horrendous turnovers. Hard luck losses and lucky wins tend to even out over the course of enough plays, and there is little reason to worry.
Head on over if you want to see some of my underwhelming selections! Had 13 last week and 13 this week. Perhaps that is part of the problem.
And don't miss the college football gambling podcast with myself and three experts!