CFB - Florida State at Florida (5:00 PM ET – CBS)

For the first time in awhile, the Florida-Florida State clash means little on the national landscape

2007-11-23

For the first time in awhile, the Florida-Florida State clash means little on the national landscape, other than Tim Tebow’s run at the Heisman Trophy. Of course bettors will certainly care that the Gators are a 14-point home favorite.

Tebow is the first player in college history to throw and run for 20 TD’s in a season. His team is 8-3 SU & 7-3 ATS in ’07 and looking for its fourth straight win over its rival. The Seminoles (7-4 SU & 5-6 ATS) are 24-13 ATS since ‘93 vs good offenses averaging >=425 YPG. FSU is 5-2 ATS as a road dog, the Gators are 17-1 SU & 10-5 ATS at the Swamp under Urban Meyer. Overall, the home team in this Sunshine State clash is on a run of 9-4 SU & 10-3 ATS.

This will be one of those rare years when something besides pride is not on the line for either Florida State or Florida. In truth, with neither playing another game until the bowl season commences, this could really be an all assault on each other. Tim Tebow is gathering support as legitimate Heisman candidate and could make a strong case for himself with another outstanding effort in prime TV time. The lefty sophomore has broken the SEC record for most touchdowns accounted for, surpassing former Gator Danny Wuerffel from 1996, the year he won the Heisman award.

Florida State’s season has gone just about as everyone expected, small steps of improvement, but not enough to be a contender in the ACC. The quarterback position is a continuing issue, with Drew Weatherford playing brilliantly at times, just not all the time. The offensive line has been a cause of concern for years, with serious upgrades still needed, as the running game averaging only 3.5 yards per carry. On defense, athletes like LB Geno Hayes are still flying around, yet the pass defense has been burned regularly in spite of 15 interceptions.

Key Trend – The home team is 14-5 ATS in this north Florida battle.

Florida will be favored in The Swamp, yet is worth noting the Seminoles are 8-1 ATS in last game of the season. The straight winner is 23-2-1 ATS. Prediction – Florida by 10

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