The Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles meet tonight at Tucker Center for another installment of the Sunshine Showdown.
Florida has dominated their recent history, and my Florida vs. Florida State predictions expect the Gators’ domination to continue tonight.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Friday, November 15.
Florida vs Florida State prediction
My best bet
Florida -6 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Florida Gators enter Tallahassee with something to prove.
The Gators' defense became a liability toward the end of last season. Florida head coach Todd Golden stressed defense and has put together a huge frontcourt surrounded by guards who can defend and shoot the long ball.
Everything begins and ends with the Florida backcourt. Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Howard are as good a backcourt tandem as any in the nation, combining to average nearly 33 points with 5.5 dimes and eight caroms.
The duo carries the brunt of the scoring, but the steals from guards Will Richard and Elijah Martin have fueled the team's 23 points per game from turnovers. It's also how the Gators will cover the number on Friday night.
The Florida State Seminoles are essentially a brand-new group.
The Seminoles bring plenty of length to the court, and guard Jamir Watkins is the lone returnee from last year's starting lineup. Watkins is the only FSU player scoring in double digits, with some new faces vying for minutes for a Florida State offense averaging 73 points per game.
The Sunshine Showdown is a rivalry game, and they’ll likely play a tight first half. The guards for both squads stir the offensive drink with humungous frontcourts occasionally contributing double-digit scoring nights. Each group has played extremely well thus far against cupcakes, but only Florida has some experience playing big games as a unit.
FSU teams are defensive first and won’t roll over for the No. 20 ranked Gators. But I expect Florida’s experience playing big games together as a team to take over late and for Florida to cover the spread.
Florida vs Florida State same-game parlay
Florida -6
Under 156.5
Defense will be the main weapon each team will deploy tonight.
Both groups like to play fast and have greatly benefited from getting swipes against mediocre competition. That’s fueled a combined 45 points from turnovers per game.
The swipes might not happen as frequently tonight and instead will be replaced with hard physical play with shooters who may not get as many open looks as they’ve previously enjoyed this season.
It will be difficult for these groups to clear 157 points without the pace, triples, and points off turnovers. That’s why I like a comfortable Florida victory and a low-scoring clash.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
New Users
Choose your welcome bonus at bet365
Get in on the college basketball action at bet365, which is offering new users a choice of two incredible offers:
- Up to $1,000 in bonus bets back (if your first bet doesn't win)
- Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets instantly
Sign up now to pick your offer at bet365, or learn more with our comprehensive bet365 review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Florida vs Florida State odds
Florida vs Florida State live odds
Florida vs Florida State opening odds
- Spread: Florida -5.5 (-110) | Florida State +5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Florida -210 | Florida State +170
- Over/Under: Over 158.5 (-110) | Under 158.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Florida vs Florida State betting trend to know
Florida has hit the Moneyline in 22 of their last 33 games (+7.60 Units / 4% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Florida vs. Florida State.
How to watch Florida vs Florida State
| Location: | Tucker Center, Tallahassee, FL |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ACC Network |
Florida vs Florida State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
