The Florida State Seminoles will face off against the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since the 2018 tournament. Michigan defeated the Seminoles by four points in that game to advance to the Final Four. Florida State has reached the Sweet Sixteen in their last three appearances and Michigan has been here four of their last five. These are two programs that have been trending in the right direction over the last five seasons and only one will live to see another day in 2021. It’s time to continue the NCAA odds series and make a Florida State-Michigan prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks set the odds for this game.
NCAA Odds: Florida State-Michigan Odds
Florida State Seminoles +2 (-110)
Michigan Wolverines -2 (-110)
Over 143 (-110)
Under 143 (-11o)
Why Florida State Could Cover the Spread
Florida State has been waiting for this opportunity for two years. The Seminoles were the number one seed entering the ACC tournament in 2020 and looked like a championship contender. Unfortunately, COVID had different plans for the ‘Noles as the rest of the season was cancelled. Florida State had another great season in 2021 and is now ready to get over the hump under head coach Leonard Hamilton. Hamilton has his squad playing fundamentally sound basketball. They enter a revenge spot against Michigan with added fuel and momentum.
Florida State played phenomenal basketball in their second round win against the Colorado Buffaloes. They defeated Colorado 71-53, thanks in large part to defensive energy and efficient shooting on the offensive end. The Seminoles are capable of lighting you up from deep, shooting 38.3% from three on the season. This is good for 17th in the land. Led by G M.J. Walker and F Raiquan Gray (12.2 ppg & 6.6 rpg), Florida State is locked and loaded coming into a huge Sweet Sixteen matchup.
Why Michigan Could Cover the Spread
The Michigan Wolverines are a storied program looking to build on a history of success. Led by head coach Juwan Howard, the Wolverines are back in the Sweet Sixteen for the fourth time in five years. Michigan is playing great basketball of late, despite losing star player Isaiah Livers to a foot injury. Michigan is 2-1 in their three games without Livers. Senior transfer Chaundee Brown has stepped in nicely, providing 21 points in 27 minutes off the bench in the second round win.
Michigan has found success all season long on the back of their defensive and rebounding abilities. The Wolverines will smother you and attack the boards. They average 28.4 rebounds per game, which is 18th best in the nation. They are efficient on the offensive end and play from the inside out. Center Hunter Dickinson leads the team on both ends of the floor, averaging 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Look for Michigan to control the game with a high energy and physical style of play.
Final Florida State-Michigan Prediction & Pick
This game will almost certainly be as close as the four point affair back in 2018. Both teams are capable of beating anyone in the country and will come in with confidence and intensity. The style of play that we can expect is typically beneficial to the under. High energy defense with added physicality makes it difficult to put the ball in the bucket. Look for a slow pace of play with points at a premium. Seven of Florida States last nine tournament games have hit under the total. This defensive battle will be close and fairly low scoring.
FINAL FLORIDA STATE-MICHIGAN PICK: Under 143 (-110)
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