FSU football predictions, odds: How are experts picking game vs. Georgia Tech?
Will the Florida State football season kick off with a win in Ireland? Or will Georgia Tech shock the college football world in the 2024 opener?
FSU football is out for blood after their 13-0 start in 2023 ended with a College Football Playoff snub. Those Seminoles saw 10 players get taken in the NFL Draft. Coach Mike Norvell was busy in the transfer portal, bringing in quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, receiver Malik Benson, running back Roydell Williams and defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr. to supplement returning stars Lawrance Toafili and Patrick Payton.
Georgia Tech finished fourth in the ACC last season (7-6, 5-3) and could surprise teams this season. Coach Brent Key has an offense fueled by quarterback Haynes King, who threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns and ran for 737 yards and 10 TDs in his first season after transferring from Texas A&M. The Yellow Jackets lost these teams' last meeting, 41-16 in Tallahassee in 2022, but they gave Norvell a loss in his first game at FSU in 2020.
Who wins Saturday in Dublin? College football reporters and analysts weigh in with their picks:
Our FSU-Georgia Tech prediction: Florida State's season opener is a unique challenge
Bill Bender, Sporting News: FSU football wins 31-21
"This is Uiagalelei's debut, and Georgia Tech ranked 128th against the run last season at 221.3 yards per game. The Yellow Jackets rebuilt the interior and linebacker Kyle Efford is a stud, but the Seminoles are going to test that run defense early with Alabama transfer Roydell Williams leading the rushing attack. Uiagalelei will take his shots in play-action, and Hykeem Williams is a candidate to have a breakout performance to start the season. Uiagalelei was good in play-action and the screen game last season, and the Seminoles will exploit that."
Pete Fiutak, College Football Network: FSU football wins 34-17
"The Georgia Tech defense will keep the team in the game. Florida State will have a hard time getting going. There won’t be a lot happening from the Yellow Jacket pass rush, but the secondary will hold up well on third downs. It’ll be a bit ragged on both sides of the ball early on.
"The Seminole defense will do its part, too, especially in the secondary. Eventually, the running game will come up with a few good drives and take over late. Florida State won’t play like it wants to erase all the bad things that happened late last season, but the attitude will start to pop through."
Reed Wallach, SI.com: Bet the over for FSU vs Georgia Tech
"I expect the Seminoles to lean into the power running game with Uiagalelei under center and throws near the line of scrimmage. ... The Seminoles should be able to dictate the terms of engagement on the ground and move the ball relatively easily. However, the Yellow Jackets budding offense should keep pace."
Jimmie Kaylor, CBS Sports: Bet the under for FSU vs Georgia Tech
SportsLine's Jimmie Kaylor said: "Georgia Tech struggled defensively last season and will need some time to improve under its new defensive coordinator this year. The Seminoles have a strong secondary anchoring their defense, and they have won 11 of the last 15 meetings between these teams. Georgia Tech has only picked up one win in its last six season openers, including a loss to Louisville to open the 2023 campaign."
Collin Wilson, Action Network: FSU football
"While the Seminoles are most certainly the play, there could be injuries and disciplinary first-half suspensions that will move the market. Florida State has a massive advantage in the trench and will be a play at -11 or better."
College Football News: FSU football wins
The CFN expert panel had 11 of its 13 members pick Florida State to win. One of those who picked the Yellow Jackets was a coin flip.
FSU vs Georgia Tech game odds, spread and lines
Florida State is favored to defeat Georgia Tech, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2023.
All odds as of Thursday, August 22.
Spread: FSU -10.5
Over/under: 54.5
Moneyline: FSU -450, Georgia Tech +340
FSU vs Georgia Tech: How to watch, time, TV schedule
Time: Noon Saturday, August 24
Place: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider required), Fubo (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
Florida State football schedule 2024
Week 0: vs. Georgia Tech, noon Saturday, August 24 in Dublin, Ireland
Week 1: vs. Boston College, 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 2
Week 2: Open
Week 3: vs. Memphis, noon Saturday, September 14
Week 4: vs. California, Saturday, September 21
Week 5: at SMU, Saturday, September 28
Week 6: vs. Clemson, Saturday, October 5
Week 7: Open
Week 8: at Duke, 7 p.m. Friday, October 18
Week 9: at Miami, Saturday, October 26
Week 10: vs. North Carolina, Saturday, November 2
Week 11: at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9
Week 12: Open
Week 13: vs. Charleston Southern, Saturday, November 23
Week 14: vs. Florida, Saturday, November 30
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Georgia Tech vs Florida State football predictions: Experts pick