Bowden’s Final Farewell – FSU vs. West Virginia in the Gator Bowl

If you had told me years ago that the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl would be the resting place of Bobby Bowden’s incredible college coaching career I would’ve kicked you in the nuts and set your pants on fire. Yet that’s exactly where we stand.

West Virginia, ranked 16th in the nation, will have to overcome the emotional overload in Florida State as Bowden bids ado to the college ranks. His players will do everything in their power to make sure it is a fond farewell.

Of course that’s a task much easier said than done. The Seminoles have gone just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games and West Virginia has just three losses overall thanks to an always impressive offense that manages 26.6 points per game. Noel Devine remains the central facet of the offensive gameplan for West Virginia, and his 1,297 rushing yards with a 5.8 average have lent themselves to a unique ground game that ranks second in the nation.

As per usual, Florida State has been strong offensively. If anything it’s their defense that lets them down more often than not. Allowing 30.6 points per game speaks for itself, but when you surrender 203.9 rush yards per game it’s virtually inexcusable. It doesn’t help that Florida State has lost a ton of their front-seven players to injury this season.

Florida State Seminoles @ West Virginia Mountaineers (-2.5) >> Join to Bet Now

Florida State Seminoles (6-6) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)

Friday, January 1st — Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville — 1:00pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: West Virginia -2.5 (60)

The oddsmakers are being generous with this college bowl betting line because Florida State hasn’t played in over a month, and that has given them a chance to streamline their defense and recover from the rash of injuries. Certainly the players on Florida State have had a month to soak in the final moments of Bowden’s career.

On paper this game is hands down West Virginia’s, but even then I see something special coming of Florida State. Players have a way of honoring coach’s like Bowden in their final games and though Florida State is outmatched in this game, a month’s worth of analyzing and strategizing will give them the opportunity they need to find a way to stop Noel Devine.

A fitting end to an unreal coaching career is at hand for the great, Bobby Bowden.

Furious Free Pick: Florida State +2.5 (UNDER)

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