The Daily Nole

Q&A With Armchair All-Americans’ Sage Moody on FSU-Clemson

Mitch White/FSU athletics

Before the season began, many of us in the media predicted the annual Florida State-Clemson game to be the one that decides the ACC Atlantic and potentially sends one team to the College Football Playoff.

Boy, how wrong we were.

Now, FSU travels to Death Valley seeking, quite simply, a miracle. The Seminoles opened as 18-point underdogs and desperately need a win to keep their bowl hopes alive. Just as we all expected.

Joining The Daily Nole to help preview the contest is Sage Moody. Sage covered the Clemson beat for Armchair All-Americans for two years and served as the site’s co-media director and ACC department head for one year. You can find his answers to our questions below.

Clemson is coming off a close win over N.C. State and looks like a real playoff contender. What were your predictions for the Tigers entering 2017?

Moody: I figured the Tigers would be at least 8-1 at this point in the season. Clemson’s schedule was incredibly front-loaded — Auburn at home followed by both Louisville and Virginia Tech on the road within four weeks of each other is a tough ask. Before the season started, I figured if there were to be a loss on the schedule, it would come there. Louisville has been a disappointment, which I’m not surprised given how it finished 2016, but those match-ups were certainly foreboding on the schedule. 

Now, we are in November and the only loss is to a bad Syracuse team. It stings.

Who are some lesser-known players that could have an impact on Saturday, whether it be on offense, defense or special teams?

Moody: A.J. Terrell is a guy that is high on my list. He’s a freshman who has earned playing time, but went down with an injury against N.C. State, prompting the coaches to put receiver Ray-Ray McCloud at cornerback. He’s certainly one to keep and eye on in the future. 

Safety Tanner Muse has a high ceiling as well. He’s easy to spot because he has a cast on his arm that also functions as a club. He’s big, aggressive and will punish a receiver who doesn’t get away. 

How will Clemson’s defense attack FSU’s offense?

Moody: Clemson fans everywhere have been licking their chops looking ahead to the Florida State game ever since the Tigers hauled in 11 sacks against Auburn, and it’s no secret that the offensive line at Florida State has been a liability more than it has been an asset. Clemson’s front seven, mostly the front four, will bring  pressure on almost every defensive play. Look for multiple blitz packages, including an occasional sneaky cornerback blitz. 

Which match-ups do you like for Clemson’s defense against the Seminole offense, and vice versa? Which ones concern you?

Moody: The Clemson defense versus the Seminole offense is really the match-up of the day to watch. With the struggles at offensive line for FSU and the defensive line being Clemson’s strongest position group, the Tigers will have a heavy edge. 

Clemson’s defensive secondary has been bitten by the injury bug. If the line can give James Blackman time to let plays develop and deliver clean balls, FSU will have a chance to string together some effective drives. 

Clemson’s offense has the potential to sputter early. Kelly Bryant has battled adversity all season with injuries and inconsistency. FSU can put him under duress and force him into mistakes. But if the Seminole defense cannot stay off of the field due to a offensive woes, expect them to get worn down as the game goes on.

Finally, give us a prediction. Does FSU pull off the improbable upset, or do the Tigers make it three straight over the team from Tallahassee?

Moody: Since 2011, the series has been split at three wins apiece. The winner over those six years has gone on to win the ACC and twice win a national championship — FSU in 2013, Clemson last year. Sadly for the Noles, they do not pull off the upset on the road. The game might be a low-scoring affair early, but Clemson will pull away near the end to win, 31-7. An oddity in such a contested rivalry, to be sure.

Big thanks to Sage Moody for helping us preview this weekend’s game. For all things Clemson, be sure to follow him on Twitter @SageMoody.

Game Info
Florida State vs. Clemson
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
TV/Radio: ESPN/XM 81

Josh Mixon covers Florida State athletics for The Daily Nole. You can find him on Twitter @JoshDMixon.

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