Quote:I definitely do not think the FSU staff will overlook the matchup and will not buy into the large vegas line.
Yeah, I agree. Thing is, this is the Orange Bowl -- they need to win. This isn't the 90s when they were dominant... they're trying to re-define themselves and they were supposed to be national championship contenders. There would be a better chance to beat them mid-season, much like NC State did.
But they're going to take this darn seriously. I have a feeling that NIU will get smothered at the line of scrimmage and will have to squeeze blood out of a stone for yards after catch or running it when it's even semi-predictable. Essentially -- big plays on offense, and not giving up big plays on defense... and turnovers, turnovers, penalties, turnovers, penalties. And of course, smart play, and not choking due to being in the spotlight, etc. If that happens, they'll be battling with a non-lazy FSU decently well.
But I have a feeling FSU will come to play, NIU will be feeling under the lights a bit too much... FSU will turn the ball over one more time than NIU, in a 2-1 battle... but NIU loses by 17, coming back in the end to cut a 24pt lead to 17. That's my SAFE PICK, being a fan of the MAC.
I would be mildly surprised, but not shocked, if NIU comes out well prepared and has things set up where it's pretty close, they beat the spread, and FSU "survives".