Orange Bowl: FSU vs. Michigan Prediction, Preview, Spread, Channel

Looking for an Orange Bowl preview? Stick around. We’ve got all of the pre-game analysis before the matchup.

Friday, Dec. 30, the Florida State Seminoles take on the Michigan Wolverines. The game, to be played at Hard Rock Stadium, is slated for an 8:00 p.m. ET start time. Read on for our Orange Bowl preview.

According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, which is based on its Football Power Index, Michigan wins the matchup between the two teams 62.1% of the time. The spread also favors the Wolverines.

Spread: Michigan -7

Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Orange Bowl preview:

This is set up to be one of the most entertaining games of the bowl season.

Michigan sat at 9-0 and had its eyes on a spot in the College Football Playoff. Oops. The Wolverines lost two of their last three games to finish the season with a 10-2 record and no shot at the playoff. After losing to Ohio State by a score of 30-27 in double overtime, Michigan lost its chance at a Big Ten Title and a playoff berth. Now the Wolverines get a tough test in the Florida State Seminoles.

The Seminoles got absolutely demolished by Louisville in Week 3, and then lost again in Week 5, to North Carolina. After that, it appears that Florida State woke up and started playing football. In its final seven games, FSU went 6-1 with the only loss coming in a 37-34 loss to Clemson. The Seminoles ended their season by crushing in-state rival Florida.

The Wolverines and Seminoles have played two times in history, splitting the series. The last game between these two programs was played in 1991.

Orange Bowl prediction:

It's hard to bet against one of the nation's best defenses. Michigan has been solid all year, but fell apart when it mattered most.

Can Florida State move the ball on the Wolverines? With tailback Dalvin Cook, anything is possible.

The Seminoles will come out firing, and will put on a show in their home state (the game is in Miami).

Florida State 31, Michigan 23