ACC Championship Spread Tightens Amid Rumors FSU Could Play A Third-String QB

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Florida State is all but guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over Louisville in the ACC Championship Game despite the brutal loss of star QB Jordan Travis. However, more and more bettors seem to be favoring the Cardinals in that matchup—which may have to do with some rumors concerning his backup.

The Florida State Seminoles are currently undefeated and have the chance to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff for the first time since their one-and-done showing against Oregon in 2015.

While it seemed like they were poised to have the edge over whoever they ended up facing off against in the ACC Championship Game, things took a turn when Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending leg injury against North Alabama on November 18th, which meant FSU had to turn to backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker.

Rodemaker has been able to keep FSU’s record perfect, but he was also temporarily sidelined after taking a hit to the head while sliding to the ground against Florida last weekend (Jaydon Hill was ejected for targeting on the play in question).

It was clear the QB was out of it in the wake of the blow, and plenty of people were surprised to see him get back in the game after clearing concussion protocol.

While FSU was favored to beat the Louisville Cardinals by 2.5 points when the spread officially opened, that number has fallen to 1.5 as Saturday’s showdown nears—which may or may not have something to do with unsubstantiated rumors that Rodemaker may miss the game due to lingering issues stemming from the hit.

Of course, it’s worth stressing the rumors remain exactly that, although ESPN reports he will be a “game-day decision.”

Rodemaker has been an active participant in practice this week, and while true freshman Brock Glenn has been getting more reps with the first team, that’s not exactly a revolutionary development (Mike Norvell obviously wants to make sure the guy who started the season as a third-stringer is ready to step up if disaster strikes).

There could also be other factors that have led to the spread getting closer, although you should never underestimate the number of gamblers who can’t resist the urge to throw down money on a rumor in the hopes it ends up being true.

I can’t say I buy into it, but hey, don’t let that stop you from pressing your luck.