Louisville vs. Florida State odds, props, predictions: Seminoles' College Football Playoff hopes rest on backup QB in ACC Championship Game

Florida State (12-0 SU, 7-5 ATS) and Louisville (10-2 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) square off in Saturday's ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

FSU remains in contention to compete in the College Football Playoff after a 24-15 win over Florida. It needs a win against Louisville, which fell to rival Kentucky 38-31 on Saturday.

Here we examine Louisville vs. Florida State odds and props, and make our predictions as the Seminoles try to keep their perfect season intact. 

Louisville vs. Florida State odds: Point spread, moneyline, total

Here are live CFB odds for Cardinals vs. Seminoles at top-rated sportsbooks:

Florida State is a short favorite here with backup QB Tate Rodemaker getting the start after a season-ending injury to Jordan Travis.  

Louisville betting news: Cardinals relegated to role of spoiler vs. Seminoles 

Louisville's dream season under head coach Jeff Brohm came to a crashing halt in the loss to Kentucky. Any (very slight) hope the Cardinals had of advancing to the College Football Playoff expired as a result.  

The Cardinals can deal a mighty blow to FSU's CFP aspirations with a win on Saturday. Louisville is making its first appearance in the ACC Championship Game, and getting its first conference title will be no small feat.

Brohm and QB Jack Plummer were previously paired together at Purdue. Plummer was solid against Kentucky with 242 passing yards and two TDs. But, as has been the case most all season, his one interception proved to be pivotal. Kentucky's Jordan Lovett intercepted Plummer in the end zone late to ensure the victory for the Wildcats.

On the season, Plummer's thrown for a shade below 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns to go with 11 interceptions. He'll need to protect the ball better against a Florida State defense that allows a league-low 16.8 points per game in ACC play. Plummer's been picked off now in three straight games. 

With a victory on Saturday, Louisville would earn its first ACC title and secure a spot in a New Year's Six bowl game -- likely the Orange Bowl. The Cardinals can't afford a mental hangover from the loss to Kentucky if they hope to beat the Seminoles. 

Florida State betting news: 'Noles are ACC's only hope for a national championship  

The ACC Championship Game will be must-see TV if it resembles last year's meeting between these two teams. FSU prevailed in a 35-31 classic, and Rodemaker led the Seminoles to the win after Travis exited with an injury.

Rodemaker didn't turn the ball over in the win against Florida, but he completed less than half his passes for just 134 yards and no TDs. Lead RB Trey Benson did the majority of damage against the Gators with 91 rushing yards and three TDs. Expect a similar game script for FSU against Louisville on Saturday. Benson leads the Seminoles with 14 touchdowns on the year.

FSU's most dynamic offensive player is WR Keon Coleman, but he was limited to one catch and just 24 yards with Rodemaker making his second career start last week. Coleman, who has a team-high 11 receiving touchdowns, will need to be more involved in the offense if FSU has any chance to advance and win in the College Football Playoff. 

Fellow WR Johnny Wilson torched Louisville's secondary in last year's thriller with 149 receiving yards and two TDs. He's dealt with injuries this year, but still ranks as FSU's second-ranked WR behind Coleman. 

The Seminoles led the ACC in scoring defense, as referenced above, but also in scoring offense. FSU's 38.8 points per game also ranked the 'Noles 10th in the nation.  

Louisville vs. FSU alternate spread props

Here are alternate spread props for the ACC Championship Game at FanDuel:

• FSU -1.5 over Louisville (-138)
• FSU -2.5 over Louisville (-128)
• FSU -3.5 over Louisville (+102)
• FSU -4.5 over Louisville (+114)
• Louisville +1.5 over FSU (+105)
• Louisville +2.5 over FSU (+100)
• Louisville +3.5 over FSU (-130)
• Louisville +4.5 over FSU (-146)

Louisville vs. Florida State prediction

Ball security will be essential for Louisville on Saturday. For FSU, it needs to improve its offensive production under Rodemaker. An extra week of preparation should help on that front. 

In the final analysis, though, FSU's defense and the running attack under Benson should key a victory and cover ATS here.