At the beginning of the season, many expected the Florida State-Clemson game to be a top 5 match-up, with ACC title hopes on the line. Obviously things did not progress the way many predicted. Clemson has looked vulnerable at many points throughout the season, while FSU has succumbed to its vulnerabilities twice already. There are still some faint whispers of an ACC championship, but the Seminoles will need quite a bit of luck in order to make it to Orlando.
Clemson enters Tallahassee with a 7-0 record, hoping to achieve back-to-back wins against FSU for the first time since the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Star quarterback Deshaun Watson leads a potent offense that utilizes its receiving corps in ways that many teams simply cannot. The Tigers have five different receivers with over 200 yards and six with two touchdowns or more.
Their defense might be even more impressive. Their two defensive tackles in Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence are each All-American talents to go along with linebacker Ben Boulware in stopping the run. Meanwhile, cornerback Cordea Tankersley continues to reach his potential and has proven to be a worthy successor to Mackensie Alexander.
Florida State has little to lose but everything to gain at this point. Quarterback Deondre Francois and running back Dalvin Cook have vaulted the Seminoles’ offense into the top of both passing and rushing statistics, despite an inconsistent offensive line and disappointing receiver play.
They will need to play near flawlessly against the Tigers to have a chance at the upset. Meanwhile, the defense has attempted to fix its multiple coverage issues and hopes that their alterations can work for the rest of the season. Newly converted safety Ermon Lane has battled and earned playing time over A.J. Westbrook, and multiple freshmen like Brian Burns and Dontavious Jackson continue to increase their reps in each successive game.
Editor Mike Ferguson started off the week with the first look at Clemson and examined Travis Rudolph’s knack for eexcelling in the second half of seasons. Staff writer Clint Eiland tried to capture what the Clemson game means for Florida State’s season, and gave a full preview of what each team brings to the table. To top it all off, we took a step back from the rivalry and brought attention to a good cause championed by members of each team’s fan base.
In addition to the two listed above, digital content manager Edwin Collins, recruiting analyst Jay Brading and contributors T.J. Pittinger and Robert Blackburn give their predictions below:
Clint: 35-21, Clemson. To some extent, the changes on defense are starting to set in and help the players mesh together as a unit. Unfortunately, it might be too little, too late against the Tigers. Their receiving corps is immensely talented and will likely have multiple players near the 100-yard mark. Florida State’s offense has also seen few teams with the ability of Clemson’s defense, but the extra bye week of planning and rest should help the Seminoles move the ball better than other teams. Dalvin Cook will struggle on the ground but still make an impact through the air at least. Unfortunately, FSU will not have the firepower to catch up to Clemson. The Seminoles are handed their third loss and it will become clear that the offseason will be a tumultuous one.
Mike: With a prime time slate and the home crowd, I expect Florida State to get off to a much better start than it did against Ole Miss, Louisville or North Carolina. Dalvin Cook will have a nice all-around game and Deondre Francois will play well under the lights. With that said, Clemson has fewer weaknesses, more confidence and a better quarterback in Deshaun Watson. A valiant effort for the Seminoles is all for naught: Clemson 34, FSU 27.
Edwin: 28-21, FSU. Dalvin Cook, Dalvin Cook and Dalvin Cook will be the difference in this game. Those two fumbles against Wake Forest will be forgotten and he will come out strong. Dalvin Cook has 900 rushing yards through seven games and over 100 yards rushing in each of the past four games. I have no doubt he will have over 100 yards on the ground in this game. He is a projected first round pick and wants to move up the ladder towards the top of the draft and this is a prime time game that can send him up that ladder. The defense is much better in man coverage and has the speed and the talent to play man-to-man. If Coach Kelly moves back to zone for this game, it will not end up well. As head coach Jimbo Fisher tends to preach, FSU will “do its job”.
Jay: I’ll go 35-21, Clemson.
T.J.: Clemson 27, FSU 13. T.J. – attending a wedding.
Robert: 48-24, Clemson. Florida State has not given me any reason to believe it can beat the Tigers, although they are beatable. If Florida State can get out of this game without suffering any injuries, I think that’s a win in itself.
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