For Tiger Nation, this weekend has been circled on the schedule from the start. Number 1 ranked Clemson will look to end a 3 game losing streak to FSU. The Seminoles will be looking to get back into the conversation of elite programs. The winner has a clear path to the ACC Championship. The loser will end up with not much to show for a season with high expectations.
Clemson’s Offense vs Florida State’s Defense
Florida State has talented athletes on the defensive side of the ball. The most talented of them is safety, Jalen Ramsey. His versatility allows him to help in both run and pass defense. He’s a playmaker. Linebacker, Terrance Smith, is coming off an injury and is eager to have a big game. Both, make FSU fully capable of getting a few stops on Saturday.
Deshaun Watson and company can’t afford to make too many mistakes. They understand the magnitude of the game but have a mentality where they won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. Watson’s coming out party started last year in Tallahassee. He’ll be looking to make another big impression this weekend too. With Watson performing well on the big stage the receiving corps will have a chance to be dominate. Also, Wayne Gallman should have chip on his shoulder to prove that he deserves to be in the conversation of being one of the best running backs in the ACC.
Florida State’s Offense vs Clemson’s Defense
The Noles offensive success starts with Dalvin Cook. Cook has been hampered with a hamstring injury, which should be fully healed by Saturday, and an ankle injury that may hinder him in Death Valley. If he doesn’t play well or doesn’t play much it will be a long day for FSU. Whether Sean MacGuire or Everett Golston start at QB on Saturday, neither can afford to have Cook playing sub par.
Clemson will look to slow Cook. Ben Boulware missed on some big runs against NC State this past weekend and has to be good in run defense to stop the Cook. Jayron Kearse will be a factor in stopping the run. He will be trying to prove he is the best safety on the field, not FSU’s Ramsey. You can also expect Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd to have big games rushing the quarterback as the Seminoles offensive line isn’t very consistent.
Special Teams
Special teams is a glaring area of concern for the Tigers. With giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown, another return deep into Clemson territory, and missing 2 extra points last week, Clemson knows bad special teams can keep the game close or even keep them from winning. Kick returner Kermit Whitfield is one of the fastest players in the country and can easily return a kick or 2 for a touchdown. Also, kicker Roberto Aguayo is the best kicker in the nation. In a close game he could prove to be the difference between winning and losing.
X-Factor
It will be a raining in Death Valley on game day for the 3rd time this season. The wet conditions Saturday could serve as an equalizer and keep the score down and the game close. A fumble and a few tipped passes that end up in a defenders hand can be costly in the outcome of the game. The team that gets the early lead may go a little conservative to ensure they protect the lead as well.
Prediction
The stakes are high. Clemson wants to stay in the thick of the College Football Playoff and prove that their number 1 ranking is no fluke. A win keeps them right on track. FSU wants to get back into the playoff hunt. It will be a battle but the better will win Saturday. The better team is Clemson. Clemson wins 37-19.
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