NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview Alabama State @ Florida State
The Alabama State Hornets head to Tallahassee for a non-conference clash with the Florida State Seminoles on Friday, November 7, 2025. Luke Loucks’ debut as FSU head coach opened with fireworks — a 108–76 rout of Alcorn State that showcased the Seminoles’ revamped attack and backcourt creativity.
Robert McCray V made immediate history in his first game under Loucks, recording a program-record 17 assists, the most by an ACC player in over two decades. His distribution unlocked the Seminoles’ fast-paced offense, as Florida State shot 55.7 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Chauncey Wiggins added 22 points in his FSU debut, while Lajae Jones and Mikkel Brown-Jones chipped in 18 and 16 respectively. Loucks’ roster overhaul — heavy with transfers — is built for pace, spacing, and versatility, a major departure from the team’s half-court struggles last season.
Alabama State, meanwhile, begins a “reset” year under coach Tony Madlock after a 20-win campaign and NCAA Tournament appearance last season. The Hornets’ top three scorers graduated, leaving senior guard Micah Simpson and forward JaSteven Walker as key holdovers. The team was picked fourth in the SWAC preseason poll, with Madlock emphasizing development and chemistry over early results.
This game marks the start of a challenging nonconference stretch for Alabama State, which also faces Michigan State and DePaul later this month.
Follow Winning Trends Across Every League
The Smartest Way to Bet Daily
Odds and Key Information
Florida State is listed as a 25.5-point favorite, with a total set at 163.5. The Seminoles’ offensive explosion in their opener has driven early action toward the over.
| Key Betting Line | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Florida State -25.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | Florida State -10000 / Alabama State +2500 |
| Total | 163.5 O/U |
| Venue | Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahassee, FL |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET (ACC Network) |
Learn to evaluate lopsided lines like this with handicap in betting and what does the spread mean in betting.
Florida State Outlook
Loucks’ Seminoles made an emphatic first impression. Their 108 points were the most in a season opener since 1998, and their 32 assists tied a school record. McCray’s 17 dimes set the tone for a team that moved the ball efficiently and finished strong in transition.
Chauncey Wiggins’ career-high 22 points established him as a versatile scoring threat, while forwards Lajae Jones and Mikkel Brown-Jones combined for 34 points and 13 rebounds. Defensively, Florida State forced 16 turnovers and limited Alcorn State to 39 percent shooting.
Loucks’ system emphasizes tempo, ball-sharing, and deep rotation — a style that creates both scoring volume and betting intrigue. For those tracking offensive variance, consult sports betting strategies to win big to understand how fast-paced teams influence totals.
Alabama State Outlook
The Hornets enter 2025–26 with tempered expectations but a sense of opportunity. Their 20-win season and NCAA berth last year re-energized the program, but with only one returning starter, growing pains are expected.
Micah Simpson, named to the preseason All-SWAC second team, anchors a young backcourt that must find consistency early. Alabama State averaged nine three-pointers per game last season — ranking top 70 nationally — but will need to improve shooting efficiency and rebounding to stay competitive in Tallahassee.
Coach Madlock has emphasized defensive rebounding and transition control, areas where the Hornets will be tested immediately against FSU’s athletic frontcourt. For a deeper understanding of market adjustments to underdogs, review alternate total points.
Key Matchup Table
| Statistical Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Field Goal % | Florida State (55.7%) |
| Three-Point Shooting | Florida State (43.3%) |
| Rebounding Margin | Florida State (+11) |
| Turnovers Forced | Florida State (16 per game) |
| Pace (Possessions/Game) | Florida State (75.2) |
Florida State’s ball movement and pace create mismatches for teams lacking size and transition defense — both concerns for Alabama State.
Betting Trends
Florida State is 1-0 ATS and straight up, having covered easily in its opener. The Seminoles are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 nonconference home games and have hit the over in five of their last six matchups versus SWAC opponents.
Alabama State, meanwhile, has covered in four of its last six games as a road underdog but faces one of the toughest early tests in college basketball this week.
Get familiar with line movement and probability by checking what is a moneyline in betting and futures betting pros and cons.
Gain Full Access to Pro Betting Reports
Stats That Turn Insight Into Profit
Prediction
Florida State’s explosive debut under Luke Loucks suggests a continuation of high-tempo offense and bench utilization. Alabama State’s inexperience and turnover concerns make this an uphill battle on both ends. Expect the Seminoles to dictate pace, dominate transition scoring, and stretch the floor with perimeter accuracy.
Projected Score: Florida State 101, Alabama State 68
Spread Pick: Florida State -25.5
Total Lean: Over 163.5
The Seminoles’ pace and shooting efficiency point toward another offensive showcase, while Alabama State’s lack of interior defense may inflate the scoreline.
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games with heavy favorites often hide value in first-half lines, team totals, and pace-driven props. The Handicappers Leaderboard tracks verified experts specializing in early-season tempo modeling and statistical splits.
Build sharper betting insight with how to bet on basketball, explore sports betting for beginners, and compare projections at the college basketball picks hub.
