College Football Picks: Florida State faces uphill battle, Alabama's redemption, and Appalachian State's surge?
College Football Picks: Florida State faces uphill battle, Alabama’s redemption, and Appalachian State’s surge?
NEW DELHI: The college football landscape is heating up as critical matchups approach, and analysts are weighing in on key games for the upcoming week. Here’s a breakdown of notable picks and predictions for some of this weekend’s clashes.
Florida State vs. Louisville
Florida State finds itself in a tough spot after losing outright and facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. With starter Jordan Travis sidelined, backup Tate Rodemaker struggled in the previous game against Florida, completing just 12 of 25 passes for 134 yards. If Rodemaker, who is dealing with a possible concussion, can’t play, the Seminoles will turn to third-string quarterback Brock Glenn.
The challenge intensifies as Florida State lacks a strong ground attack, ranking 107th in Rush Success Rate. Going up against a formidable Louisville secondary, which ranks 12th in Pass Success Rate allowed, doesn’t bode well for the Seminoles.
The prediction leans in favor of Louisville, with the pick set at Louisville +1.5.
Alabama vs Georgia
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, Alabama takes on Georgia. Despite Georgia’s status as a 5.5-point favorite, projections from the Action PRO model suggest a closer game. Georgia’s struggles against the run, ranking 106th in EPA per Rush allowed, could play into Alabama’s hands.
Alabama, coming off a strong performance against Auburn, has covered six of its past eight games. With a potent ground game averaging over 200 rush yards per game, the Tide could exploit Georgia’s defensive weaknesses while setting up the downfield passing game led by Jalen Milroe.
The prediction leans towards Alabama +5.5, with expectations of a closely contested SEC Championship game.
Appalachian State vs TroyAppalachian State enters the Sun Belt Championship Game on a five-game winning streak, propelled by the impressive play of quarterback Joey Aguilar. Completing 64 percent of his passes for 3,200 yards and 33 touchdowns, Aguilar has been a driving force behind the team’s success.
Troy’s formidable defense poses a challenge, but the Mountaineers have showcased an ability to score consistently, averaging over 40 points per game during their win streak. Troy’s struggles on the ground, ranking 110th in Rush Success Rate and EPA per Rush, could open the door for Appalachian State’s offensive prowess.
The prediction favors Appalachian State +5, riding the team’s momentum to potentially secure a Sun Belt Championship or, at the very least, a cover.
As college football enthusiasts gear up for these critical matchups, the outcomes of these games will undoubtedly shape the playoff landscape and keep fans on the edge of their seats. The picks and predictions provide a glimpse into the analysts’ expectations, but as every football fan knows, anything can happen on game day.
For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes