It is a top 15 matchup in the Orange Bowl on December 30th as the 6th-ranked Michigan Wolverines take on the 11th-ranked Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles should have the edge in crowd support with this sportsbook betting game taking place in Miami. The Wolverines feature the second-ranked defense in the country that allows just over 12 points per game while the Seminoles have one of the top running backs in the country in Dalvin Cook. Let’s look at the contest and Orange Bowl picks.
The Wolverines face the Seminoles on Friday, December 30th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida with a start time of 8 pm Eastern on ESPN.
Orange Bowl Odds at Best Online Sports Betting Sites
Michigan 7, total 54
Michigan vs. Florida State
It is rare when a game comes down to just a single factor but there is no doubt that the key in this betting game is whether or not Michigan can stop Cook. He had 1,620 yards on the ground this season and he scored 19 TDs. If the Wolverines can’t slow him down they are not going to win. The Wolverines feature a defense that held down most teams this season but stopping Cook will not be easy.
Cook has more runs of 30 or more yards than any player in the country in the last two years. He is also an excellent receiver as he had two games this year with more than 100 yards receiving. The Seminoles averaged 35 points per game this season while allowing 24 per contest at the best sportsbook sites.
Florida State isn’t great on defense but they do have some big time players including DeMarcus Walker who tied for the national lead with 15 sacks and they have Brian Burns, who leads all freshmen with 9.5 sacks. The Seminoles also have Tavarus McFadden who is tied for first in the country with 8 picks.
The Wolverines feature Wilton Speight at quarterback. When he played the Wolverines were very tough to beat this season. The Wolverines also have Jabrill Peppers who is a big play waiting to happen. Michigan averaged 41 points per game this season.
Orange Bowl Odds
The Spartans are a very experienced team with 43 seniors on the roster. The Seminoles are very young with just eight seniors on the team. While Michigan has the edge in experience, the Seminoles have the edge in talent. “I’ve had a chance to watch them over the last couple days, and it’s scary good,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said.
The Wolverines are 4-1 ATS at the best online sports betting sites in their last 5 non-conference games. The Wolverines are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. The Seminoles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Seminoles are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 Bowl games.
The Over is 4-0 in the Wolverines last 4 non-conference games. The Over is 7-2 in the Wolverines last 9 Bowl games. The Under is 5-1 in the Seminoles last 6 Bowl games.
Orange Bowl Picks
I am surprised the number is this high, as this looks like an even matchup. I will take the points with the Seminoles at MyBookie sportsbook.
