Florida State is favored by 27 points in its rescheduled makeup game against Louisiana Monroe. The contest was originally scheduled for Week 2, but Hurricane Irma changed that as it tore through the state.
FSU needs to win the game to become bowl eligible, continuing the nation’s longest active streak.
While FSU is not likely to lose as an almost four-touchdown favorite, it is worth noting that Louisiana Monroe’s offense is quite strong. The Warhawks’ are No. 19 nationally in yards/play against FBS teams. FSU, on the other hand, is No. 102. While schedule strength (ULM is in the Sun Belt) accounts for some of that difference, it’s not the only factor. ULM can score.
Its defense, however, is horrid — No. 128 in the nation, allowing 7.24 yards/play.
Opening lines are inherently volatile due to the instability of openers. The bet limit sizes are low, and do not increase until later in the week after the sportsbooks have had an opportunity to evaluate the line and the trends of the bettors. Totals (over/unders) do not come out until later in the week.