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Florida State vs Alcorn State Week 1 Betting Preview
For the first time since 2002, someone other than Leonard Hamilton will be leading the Florida State Seminoles
Luke Loucks, a former Seminoles guard and longtime NBA assistant, takes over the program and opens his tenure against the Alcorn State Braves on Nov. 4 in Tallahassee.
Loucks played for Hamilton from 2008-12 and helped FSU win its first ACC title. Now he faces his first collegiate head-coaching test with a roster that’s almost entirely rebuilt through transfers. Kobe MaGee from Drexel, Chauncey Wiggins from Clemson, and Robert McCray V from Jacksonville are expected to anchor the rotation.
Across the court, it’s also a debut for Alcorn State’s Jake Morton — an FSU assistant last season — now leading a completely reshaped Braves roster picked 10th in the SWAC.
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Line Movement and Odds
Books have yet to release a full market for this matchup, but early projections favor Florida State by double digits. Keep an eye on live numbers through the college basketball odds page for updated market insights.
Matchup Breakdown
Florida State outlook: Loucks wants pace, spacing, and heavy guard usage. The Seminoles’ rotation is built to score in transition and stretch defenses. Their defensive length remains an asset — last year they ranked top-five in the ACC in steals.
Alcorn State outlook: Morton’s first roster features ten newcomers and little returning experience. The Braves averaged only 63 points per game last season and struggled to protect the rim. Facing FSU’s athletic frontcourt could be a major problem on the boards.
For bettors, the question is whether Florida State’s cohesion arrives early. If Loucks’ group shares the ball the way his NBA background suggests, the Seminoles should dictate tempo and cover moderate spreads.
Injuries and Conditions
Florida State
- No current reported injuries entering opening week. View updates anytime on the Florida State injury report
Alcorn State
- No reported absences. Check the Alcorn State injury page
Game will be indoors at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, so weather is not a factor.
Best Bets and Prediction
Florida State should control the game early with defensive pressure and athletic mismatches. Alcorn State’s limited scoring options and size issues make it tough to keep pace.
Projected score: Florida State 77, Alcorn State 61
Best bet: Florida State ATS (-14 or better)
Lean: Under 143 total points
Before locking your ticket, review the expert betting guide for opening-week trends and bankroll strategy.
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