Florida State vs. LSU Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 1

Treshaun Ward rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Florida State's Week 0 win over Duquesne
Treshaun Ward rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Florida State's Week 0 win over Duquesne / Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA
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Brian Kelly makes his debut as the LSU Tigers' head coach against the Florida State Seminoles in one of the most highly-anticipated matchups in Week 1 of the college football season. Kelly brings a history of success to the Tigers, who have disappointed since winning the 2019 National Championship under Ed Orgeron.

Things won't come easy against Florida State though. The Seminoles looked dominant in a decisive 47-7 Week 0 victory over FCS Duquesne. Three different Seminoles rushed for over 100 yards and five different players scored a touchdown on the ground. Florida State hasn't beaten an SEC opponent since 2017, but the program has a sterling opportunity to make a statement.

Can Florida State find similar success against LSU's stout defensive line? Or will Kelly deliver on sky-high expectations in his first game at the helm?

Let's take a look at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook before jumping into trends and my pick for the matchup:

Florida State vs LSU Odds, Spread and Total

Florida State vs LSU Betting Trends

Florida State

  • 3-1 against the spread (ATS) last four games
  • UNDER is 9-3 last 12 games
  • 3-0 ATS last three games as underdogs

LSU

  • 3-4-1 ATS last eight games
  • UNDER is 4-1 last five games
  • 3-6 ATS last nine games as home favorites

Florida State vs LSU Prediction and Pick

This will be a strength vs. strength matchup, as Florida State's sensational rushing attack goes against one of the best defensive fronts in the country. LSU has two potential 2023 NFL first-round picks in Jaquelin Roy and BJ Ojulari manning the line, hoping to stop the powerful one-two punch in Florida State's backfield of Treshaun Ward and Trey Benson.

The offensive line has long been a weakness for the Seminoles, though it's clear the group improved significantly in the offseason. LSU is obviously a different beast than Duquesne, but I expect Florida State to find some success on the ground to control the clock.

LSU's offensive line could be a problem. Of the five starters, two are sophomores and one is a true freshman. Without much experience, the group could struggle, especially with a brand new offensive system.

Given the Tigers' stellar defense but question marks on offense, I think a low-scoring game is in store. Florida State will either control the clock with its rushing attack, or it'll have empty possessions. Either situation is great news for an under bet.

Back the under to improve to 10-3 in the Seminoles' last 13 games in what should be a slugfest.

Pick: Under 51.5 (-110)


Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.