Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss vs Florida State preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Previewing the game between the Ole Miss Rebels and Florida State Seminoles from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on September 5.

This matchup will be explosive. Both teams are in the Top 20 in preseason rankings, with FSU at number 4 and Ole Miss hanging at No. 11. They will meet up at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

FSU hopes to live up to the preseason hype, while Ole Miss is trying to prove that they can reload. Florida States’ new freshman QB, Deondre Francois, is still a question mark. Of course, even if Francois has a rough start, can Ole Miss overcome the ‘Noles brutal defense?

Keys to Victory

Despite a fluky loss to Georgia Tech mid-season 2015, the Seminoles have been a consistently strong team on the field year-to-year. They have their eye on a championship berth this year, but they have a great many windmills to tilt before they get there.

The Rebels have talent-that much is undeniable. Anyone that can take down Alabama twice is impressive. Unfortunately for Ole Miss, the ‘Noles have trained one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the country. The Seminole secondary is flawless, which should prove difficult for Ole Miss to overcome unless they can find a star receiver quickly.

Oh, and in case you’ve forgotten, FSU has Dalvin Cook. He is as explosive and effective a back as anyone in the country.Hugh Freeze will obviously try to shut down Cook, but even if he succeeds, the Panzer tank that is the ‘Noles defense will shut down any plays that Rebel QB Kelly tries to make. This defense allowed only 18 points per game last season, and 2015 was a rebuilding year. Ole Miss just doesn’t have the offensive line this season to combat it.

Broadcast information for Monday’s game below:

Prediction

Ole Miss keeps the game close but Florida State makes enough plays late in the game to come away with the win. The Seminoles don’t cover the spread but bettors may want to take the over with plenty of points on the board.

Final Score: Florida State 31, Ole Miss 27