Florida State vs Florida Odds, Prediction
| Florida State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -105 | 156.5 -110o / -110u | +320 |
| Florida Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -115 | 156.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
Below, we have Florida State vs Florida odds and a pick, including a college basketball betting guide for Friday, Nov. 17.
When Florida and Florida State meet at Exactech Arena in Gainesville Friday night, expect a fast-paced, entertaining contest between two rivals.
Following a handful of underwhelming seasons from both programs, Florida and Florida State have both started off strong this year, with Florida State owning a 2-0 record and Florida sitting at 2-1 (with just a neutral-site loss to Virginia by three points).
Both teams play fast and will pour on the points. Florida is averaging 91 points per game in its two home games this season and Florida State has scored 94 points in both of its two games.
Florida owns a two-game winning streak in this series, defeating the Seminoles by nine points last year in Tallahassee.
This game is extremely important to both sides, and it should be a fun one to watch.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles won both of their first two games this season by identical scores — 94-67. Kennesaw State and Central Michigan were no match for Leonard Hamilton's team, but Florida will be its first true test.
While Florida loves to play fast, Florida State wants to play even faster. The Seminoles currently rank 14th in tempo, and it'll be interesting to see if they remain that transition-heavy as the season goes on — Hamilton's team hasn't ranked in the top 100 in tempo since 2021.
Florida State has six different players averaging double figures, and its offensive attack is a bit more balanced than Florida's Riley Kugel-oriented approach. Darin Green Jr. and Cam'Ron Fletcher lead the way from a scoring perspective, and Josh Nickelberry has been a nice addition after transferring in from La Salle.
Baba Miller will likely draw the Micah Handlogten assignment, but Miller isn't much of a shot blocker, averaging 0.5 blocks per game over the course of his career.
Florida Gators
After finishing last season ranked 139th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency, Todd Golden used the transfer portal to rebuild his offense into a new-look machine.
The changes are paying off already, as Florida currently sits at 27th in the same category this year. Florida added Walter Clayton Jr. in the backcourt, and Clayton has looked like a capable running mate for Kugel through three games.
In the frontcourt, Florida turns to former Seton Hall forward Tyrese Samuel and former Marshall center Handlogten. Samuel is a fifth-year senior that provides toughness and experience, and Handlogten is a nice Colin Castleton replacement with some offensive punch.
Notably, Handlogten is 2-of-2 from 3-point range this year after making just one all of last season.
Despite the flashy new names, the main reason Florida's offense has thrived thus far is the sophomore superstar Kugel. Kugel finished strong down the stretch of last season — scoring in double figures in the final 10 games — and he started off hot again this year, averaging 14 points per game.
Florida loves to play fast, as it ranks 73rd in tempo. Look for a ton of transition opportunities in this one, as Florida State loves that style as well.
Florida State vs. Florida
Betting Pick & Prediction
After back-to-back wins in this rivalry, Florida will be feeling confident in this one.
While Florida State appears to have more firepower this season, it still has some tough matchups on paper in this one.
Handlogten's scoring will be difficult for Miller to stop, and Florida State has no individual answer for Kugel.
Given both teams' insistence on running in transition, I like the side with more talent at multiple positions to emerge victorious.
Pick: Florida -6.5
ESPN Bet Sportsbook is now another option to maximize your Florida vs. Florida State action. You can now use our ESPN BET promo code TANBONUS for a new user welcome.
