Michigan vs Florida State Orange Bowl Prediction, 12–30–2016
Orange Bowl Preview and Prediction
Michigan Wolverines (10–2) vs Florida State Seminoles (9–3)
Game Preview, Spread Prediction and Odds
Friday December 30th, 8:00pm EST
Orange Bowl Odds: Florida State +7, 51.5
Michigan Wolverines
The Capital One Orange Bowl features two of the top programs in the country, the Michigan Wolverines vs the Florida State Seminoles. This is one of the top non-college football playoff matchups featuring two great coaches.
Michigan is anchored by a stellar defensive unit that ranks only behind Alabama allowing only 252 total yards per game. They rank 1st in the country allowing only 135 passing yards per game and concede only 12 points per game. Impressive numbers that should give Florida State concerns, especially with their freshman quarterback.
The Wolverines offense averaged 41 PPG which ranked them 11th in the country so it’s to see why this team was so successful in 2016. Michigan lost their regular season finale to Ohio State which should give them extra motivation to play with passion in the Orange Bowl. You rarely have to worry about a Jim Harbaugh coached team so don’t expect a let down performance.
Wolverines Betting Trends
Wolverines are 4–1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games
Wolverines are 7–2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up loss
Wolverines are 0–4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State started off sluggishly but closed the season strong with six wins in seven games. Their lone loss in that stretch was a three point home loss to Clemson.
The Seminoles are lead by redshirt freshman QB Deondre Francois and RB Dalvin Cook. Francois is a star in the making and showed grit, toughness and determination throughout the season. Francois threw for 3,128 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions and added 4 rushing touchdowns to his total. RB Dalvin Cook rushed for over 1600 yards and 18 touchdowns. Cook is a surefire 1st round NFL Draft prospect that will probably be the second back taken behind Leonard Fournette.
Florida State has a solid defense, not quite up to par with Michigan, but they can hold their own. FSU let up 24 PPG and 357 total yards per game.
Seminoles Betting Trends
Seminoles are 4–0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win
Seminoles are 5–1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games
Seminoles are 1–5 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games
Michigan vs Florida State Orange Bowl Prediction
It’s tough to discount the resiliency of Florida State’s freshman quarterback but in the same breath it’s hard to overlook that he has not faced a defense like Michigan. This game is centered around Michigan’s ability to stop Florida State’s offense. Delvin Cook is a dynamic running back that may have some issues finding space with Michigan loading the box all night and coming with relentless pressure.
I see this as a competitive game controlled by the defenses but in the end I see Michigan as the better team and the better defense. Expect Michigan to cover the -7 spread.
