Florida State Seminoles-Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks Against the Spread

FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES AT NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (-1, O/U 155), Sat., 6 p.m. ET

The first meeting between Florida State and Notre Dame was a major early test for both teams, and the result sent them in somewhat different directions.

The Seminoles (21-4, 9-3) are in the throes of an historic season. They are tied with North Carolina for first place in the ACC, and their Jan. 18 win over Notre Dame was an important cog in a series of victories against quality opponents.

Florida State suffered a brief two-game slide, but has since responded with three straight double-figure wins to stay in contention for the ACC regular-season title.

For the Irish (18-7, 7-5), their loss to Florida State started a downward spiral in which they have lost five of seven in the ACC following a 5-0 start. The rematch Saturday looms as big game for both clubs.

Notre Dame managed to avoid further damage in its last game when it overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half to beat Wake Forest 88-81 behind 27 points and 16 rebounds from Bonzie Colson.

ANALYSIS

Florida State has been overwhelming opponents with waves of speed, depth, length and athleticism. Every uniformed player sees the court in almost every game, with 12 getting nine or more minutes, 11 averaging double figures.

The Seminoles force 15 turnovers and block 5.4 shots per game, fueling their blistering pace on both ends. Led by underrated combo guard Dwayne Bacon, they are among the tops in the country in most offensive categories. They average 84.8 points per contest on 49 percent field-goal shooting.

They face a stylistic contrast in a Notre Dame club that doesn't mind playing at either tempo, but relies on timing and execution both ends, preferring a less frenetic pace.

The Irish are reasonably efficient on both ends, averaging 79 points per game while allowing just 69.2. But the starters get the bulk of the minutes, and they are in trouble if one of their stars gets in foul trouble or has an off night.

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Notre Dame also relies heavily on the three-pointer, making 9.6 per game (No. 18 nationally). The Irish stayed in the game by making 15 of 21 in the first meeting with Florida State, but committed 18 turnovers and had 11 of their shots blocked.

(For a preview of Saturday's Kentucky-Alabama game, click here)

SELECTION

The Irish have a strong home-court environment and the revenge factor on their side Saturday. But in current form, they have trouble looming against a Florida State club that is capable of stealing a season sweep with a road win.

I think the side is too close to call, but I like the Seminoles to get the better of the tempo battle, and draw Notre Dame into a running affair that sends this game Over the posted total. 

Get all SportsLine expert selections on this contest by clicking here.