Clemson vs. Florida State odds: Early point spread released on Tigers, Seminoles

Prior to the start of the season, the Sept. 23 showdown in Death Valley between Clemson and Florida State had all the makings of a matchup to shape the national title race. While it will play a role in the ACC and potentially the College Football Playoff race, the game has lost some luster.

Clemson lost to Duke, 28-7, on opening weekend and hasn’t looked the part of a potential national championship contender. And despite a scare at Boston College on Saturday, an undefeated Florida State squad opens as 2.5-point favorites according to FanDuel.

The biggest storyline heading into the game is the health of Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis, who got banged up as the Seminoles survived a scare in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Travis appeared to injure his non-throwing shoulder but played the remainder of the game — and his team needed him.

After going down early to the Eagles, Florida State appeared to be in the driver’s seat, holding a 31-10 lead in the third quarter.

But the Eagles clawed back and clawed back, eventually getting the game within a score, 31-29. Boston College outscored Florida State 13-0 in the final quarter, coming a two-point conversion short of a tie. But the Seminoles had just a little too much defense for the Eagles to overcome.

On the other side of the match, since falling to Duke in Durham to start the season, Clemson ripped off back-to-back wins against Charleston Southern and Florida Atlantic. Against the Owls on Saturday, the Tigers offense clicked along in a 48-14 win.

The running game put up more than 100 yards at more than 5 yards per carry. It was done largely by committee, with three players recording 35 or more yards. And quarterback Cade Klubnik was sharp through the air, throwing for 169 yards on 16-of-27 completions and 3 touchdowns. He had completions to eight different receivers.

And while the outside observers might be favoring Florida State in this matchup, recent history favors the Tigers. Clemson has the last seven matchups and hasn’t fallen to the Seminoles since the 2014, when Florida State was reigning national champion and led by Jameis Winston.

Suffice to say, a Seminoles win would be a long time coming. But even though they’re favored, Clemson will surely have its say in the matter before Florida State rolls through Death Valley for a win. Kick-off is set for noon EST and the game will be broadcast on ABC.