Clemson’s Offense vs Florida State’s Defense
Clemson’s offense hopes to avoid a debacle similar to last year’s game vs Florida State. The Tigers turned the ball over 4 times and was never in the game from the very beginning. This year they will have to focus on protecting the ball. Winning the turnover margin will be critical. That will be big challenge as FSU has talent everywhere on defense.
Cole Stoudt will have to be on point, as will DeShaun Watson when he gets opportunities. If either tries to force passes it will be a long night. State still has top notch talent but they do not have the leadership in the secondary they’ve had in the past. Look for Chad Morris to roll out his QBs and use play action to give them some time to throw the ball. The Noles’ Dline is talented and led by Mario Edwards. They will be extremely hard to stop. The Tiger Oline will have to be much improved from the Georgia game to now to make a big impact.
Also, screen passes will be a factor as well. Some quick screen passes to Artavis Scott and Charone Peake can equal big yards. The running back stable will have to be solid. No back has yet to reel off a big TD play. If they can get 1 long TD run it could go a long way toward pulling the upset. They also need to be consistent; they can’t be losing yards on a bunch of carries.
Florida State’s Offense vs Clemson’s Defense
The FSU offense hasn’t been as crisp as it was last season. That doesn’t mean a whole lot as FSU is filled with 4 and 5 star players. With Jameis Winston’s suspension in the 1st half the big question is what will the FSU game plan be. Expect them to run a lot behind their talented Oline. Karlos Williams and the rest of the backs should have plenty of opportunity to steal the show. Look for Clemson to focus on stopping the run in the first half, challenging FSU to throw the ball. Both Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward will need to be good.
The run game for the Seminoles may be fine but Sean Maguire is unproven at QB. Look for the Clemson to make him throw the ball and pressure him. Vic Beasley needs to come up big. The Tigers will hope Maguire inexperience leads to mistakes. The receivers for the Noles are great. Rashad Green, Kermit Whitfield, Isaiah Jones, and tight end Nick O’Leary are as good a receiving corps as there is in the nation. They can make up for the inexperience Maguire lacks. Once Winston enters the game, State should be back in their normal rhythm on offense. A more balanced attack will be used.
Special Teams
Florida State has always been really good on special teams. This year is not different. Rashad Greene normally handles the punt return duties and Kermit Whitfield returns the kicks. Both can change field position in a hurry. Don’t be surprised if 1 of them if not both have long returns. When punting the ball, Clemson’s Bradley Pinion should kick the ball away from the returner. Pinion has been effective this season.
FSU also has the nation’s best kicker in Roberto Aguayo. He won the Lou Groza Award last season given to college football’s best kicker. For the Tigers, Lakip just hasn’t had the experience in big game situations. If the game is close the Noles have the kicker prepared for the moment. Clemson doesn’t.
X-Factor
Turnovers and the big play margin will decide the game. In the past 2 matchups the Noles have had the clear advantage in both. The Tigers had 4 turnovers against FSU last year. It seemed like State took advantage of each one by scoring. Also, being able to score easily is deflating for an opponent and in these big games will change momentum. Clemson needs to make a few big plays just to ensure that they can keep up. If they aren’t able to have many plays of 20 plus yards, it will be a long night.
Prediction
It’s no secret that Clemson can change the course of their season with a win. The Tigers have to get out to an early lead and put pressure on Maguire. A few mistakes from him could be the key to winning. The Tigers need to be ahead by at least double digits at half time to have a shot when Winston gets into the game. Ultimately, the Tigers haven’t proven to be good enough on the offensive line. Against FSU’s Dline, that won’t work. The score won’t be as bad as last year but the Noles will come out with a victory. Prediction: FSU wins 34-20.
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