Just In: 3 reasons why going under the point total of 56.5 is smart for FSU-GT in the opener

August 19, 2024 Kerry Will College Football 0

Florida State football kicks off the 2024 season against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 24th, at noon EST.

The Seminoles are moving forward, still affected by their exclusion from last season’s College Football Playoff. They have brought in several new players through the transfer portal and recruiting, meaning fans will see many unfamiliar faces on the roster.

Despite these changes, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff are confident in the team’s potential for success, having achieved a combined record of 23-4 over the last two seasons. The focus now is on integrating these new elements effectively.

According to DraftKings SportsBook, Florida State is currently favored by 11.5 points against Georgia Tech, with the over/under set at 56.5 points.

This article will highlight three reasons to consider betting on the under 56.5 for this matchup.

 

Florida State’s pursuit of a second five-star offensive lineman took a hit when Josh Petty, a highly sought-after prospect, committed to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets instead of the Seminoles.

FSU had been viewed as the frontrunner for Petty throughout the summer, but Georgia Tech gained traction and ultimately convinced him to stay close to home. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman from Roswell, Georgia, expressed that the opportunity to play for his hometown team was significant for him. “The chance to be a hometown hero is very big for me,” Petty stated, highlighting the importance of being near familiar faces and in a city he knows well.

Petty is ranked as the No. 29 overall player and the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in On3’s industry rankings, as well as the No. 7 player from Georgia.

While losing Petty is a setback for FSU, the Seminoles have already secured commitments from two top offensive line prospects, Solomon Thomas and Peyton Joseph, who are ranked No. 1 and No. 13 among interior offensive linemen, respectively. However, the options at offensive tackle have diminished due to other targets committing elsewhere, prompting offensive line coach Alex Atkins to consider expanding their recruitment strategy and potentially revisiting some earlier targets.

Florida State football currently holds the 17th-ranked recruiting class for the 2025 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The coaching staff aims to enhance the team’s talent pool.

However, the Seminoles have missed out on some key prospects, including four-star linebacker Tavion Wallace, who chose to commit to the Arkansas Razorbacks. This highlights the ups and downs of college football recruiting.

On Monday afternoon, Florida State faced another setback as five-star offensive lineman Josh Petty from Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, Georgia, decided to commit to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

This is viewed as a setback for Florida State, as Petty had been the favorite to commit to the Seminoles for quite some time. His sister is attending school in the Tallahassee area, which contributed to his interest in the family atmosphere at FSU.

The Yellow Jackets successfully appealed to Petty’s desire to be a “hometown hero,” emphasizing the importance of academics and the opportunity to elevate their program. This situation leaves Florida State in a challenging position with other targets, as there are currently few highly regarded prospects showing interest in them.

Despite this loss, Florida State has already secured commitments from five-star Solomon Thomas and four-star Peyton Joseph for their offensive line. They have promising talent on the offensive line, but securing another skilled player would have been beneficial, especially with current players like Maurice Smith, Darius Washington, and Jeremiah Byers graduating after the 2024 season.

Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins has proven to be an effective recruiter, and there are several exciting young talents on the line, including Lucas Simmons, Andre Otto, Jaylen Early, Julian Armella, and Jonathan Daniels.

There is no need to panic at this point, as the December Early Signing Period is still some time away. Petty may reconsider his decision if Florida State has a successful season and manages to defeat Georgia Tech in Ireland.

FSU football: Nole’s depth chart for the game against Georgia Tech inspires supporters.

The FSU football team concluded fall camp with veteran defensive back Shyheim Brown earning the honor of breaking the rock. The Seminoles are set to begin their 2024 season on Saturday night against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Fans had a good sense of the starting lineup for the season opener, and the coaching staff released the first depth chart on Sunday afternoon.

There were a few surprises, such as Jalen Brown being named a starter at one of the wide receiver positions. Additionally, Kevin Knowles sharing the starting role with Earl Little Jr. caught attention. While FSU fans may not have had major concerns heading into the game, they were likely eager to see the finalized lineup. Overall, the names on the depth chart likely provided them with encouragement.

The players listed as backups provide even more insight into the situation. It’s impressive that Florida State has so many names on its offensive line depth chart! The presence of several redshirt freshmen and sophomores is encouraging. For those who claim FSU doesn’t develop talent, it’s notable that 13 players recruited by this staff are listed as starters or co-starters.

I anticipate that this depth chart will evolve as the season unfolds. Young players will continue to grow, although injuries can complicate things; hopefully, FSU can avoid those this time. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Elijah Moore and Lawayne McCoy rise in the rankings. Some fans were taken aback that Hykeem Williams isn’t a starter, likely due to an injury that hindered him this fall. However, his experience as a freshman last year suggests he will be a significant contributor if he can remain healthy.

Georgia Tech matchup prediction for FSU’s defensive and special teams lineup (via Taylor Devers).

On Saturday afternoon, I decided to share my projected starting lineup for Florida State’s defensive and special teams for their 2024 season opener against Georgia Tech, which will take place in Dublin, Ireland, on August 24th at noon EST.

With several newcomers joining the Seminoles this season, making accurate predictions was challenging. Let’s dive in and analyze my selections.

Defensive Ends

1. Patrick Payton
2. Byron Turner Jr.
3. Aaron Hester

Defensive Ends

1. Marvin Jones Jr.
2. Sione Lolohea

Analysis.

Florida State football will need to fill the gap left by Jared Verse, who recorded nine sacks in the 2023 season and was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Although Verse has moved on to the professional level, rising star Patrick Payton returns for another season, now weighing in at 254 pounds.

This offseason, the Seminoles brought in two defensive end transfers: Marvin Jones Jr. from Georgia and Sione Lolohea from Oregon State. The coaching staff had high expectations for Jones Jr., a former five-star recruit, while defensive ends coach John Papuchis appreciates Lolohea’s skills as a run stopper.

Additionally, Florida State retains reserves Byron Turner Jr. and Aaron Hester for another season, who will be valuable if Payton, Jones Jr., or Lolohea need a break.

Prediction for FSU’s offensive starting lineup against Georgia Tech, courtesy of Taylor Devers.

On Saturday morning, I’m excited to share my projected offensive starting lineup for Florida State’s 2024 season opener against Georgia Tech, which will take place in Dublin, Ireland. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24th, at noon EST!

This season, the Seminoles are welcoming several newcomers, making it a bit tricky to finalize my predictions. With that said, let’s dive in and break down my selections for the offensive lineup.

The anticipation is building as Florida State prepares for this exciting matchup. Fans are eager to see how the new additions will integrate with the returning players. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to kickoff!

Quarterbacks

DJ Uiagalelei
Brock Glenn
Luke Kromenhoek

Analysis

The Seminoles made a significant move this offseason by bringing in DJ Uiagalelei, a transfer from Clemson and Oregon State, with the expectation that he will start. His experience is crucial as he mentors the younger quarterbacks on the roster. Uiagalelei is anticipated to provide valuable veteran leadership to a team integrating several new players.

While it will be challenging to replace the impact of Jordan Travis, who was a pivotal figure for the program, I believe Uiagalelei will serve as a reliable option within Mike Norvell’s offensive system. His skill set should fit well, and he has the potential to guide the team effectively as they embark on the new season.

 

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