The Daily Nole

FSU-Clemson: Five Things to Watch

Jeremy Esbrandt/FSU athletics

For Florida State, Saturday’s contest with Clemson isn’t as big as many thought it would be prior to the season, but it should still give the Seminoles the opportunity to make a statement. After an 0-2 start in ACC play, FSU comes in winners of two straight and ranked 12th in the country at 5-2 overall.

No. 3 Clemson will look to win in Tallahassee for the first time in a decade on Saturday night. The Tigers are a perfect 7-0 and have won 25 of their last 26 games overall, dating back to 2014. Like FSU, Clemson is coming off a bye as it looks to be a legitimate contender for a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Before the Seminoles and Tigers kick it off at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night, here are five things to watch for:

1. Deshaun Watson
Perhaps the best pro prospect that Florida State has seen so far, Clemson junior quarterback Deshaun Watson has had no problem decimating the FSU defense in years past. In two meetings against the Seminoles, Watson is averaging 350 yards of total offense and completing better than 67 percent of his passes without a turnover. Last season, Watson accounted for over 400 total yards against an FSU defense that ranked 15th nationally and fifth in scoring.

The Seminoles have not been nearly as good this year and have struggled mightily with talented quarterbacks like Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky. FSU did have some success against Miami’s Brad Kaaya earlier this month, but Watson is a different animal with what he brings to the table as an athlete. If FSU can’t slow Watson down, it will be a long night.

2. Running Backs
FSU junior running back Dalvin Cook had a monster game against Clemson last season, going for 194 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Cook however, was largely slowed in the second half of that game. This season, Cook has become a better receiver and is among the nation’s leaders in yards from scrimmage. Cook may need a great all-around game on Saturday night to give the Seminoles a chance.

On the other side, Clemson’s Wayne Gallman is expected to play after fighting concussion symptoms. Gallman had an All-ACC season for the Tigers last year, which included a 103-yard rushing effort against the Seminoles. Having a healthy Gallman will add another element to Clemson’s ground game and help the Tigers stay ahead of the chains. If the focus on Watson takes FSU’s attention away from Gallman, the junior could be in for a big night.

3. Travis Rudolph
Travis Rudolph is coming off a career-game against Wake Forest in which he finished with 238 yards receiving on 13 catches. With the Clemson defense likely to zero in on Cook and with second-leading receiver Jesus Wilson out, Rudolph will need to have a solid game for the Seminoles to have success. Led by senior cornerback Cordrea Tankersley, the Clemson secondary is very good. The Tigers have yet to allow an opposing receiver to go over 100 yards.

4. The Battle in the Trenches
It goes without saying, but winning the battle up front will be key on Saturday night. During Wednesday’s ACC teleconference, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said FSU might have the best set of defensive tackles he’s seen all season in Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas. Where FSU’s biggest advantage may lie however up front is with the defensive ends. DeMarcus Walker, a senior, is in the midst of an All-American caliber season while Jacob Pugh and Josh Sweat have come on in recent weeks. Freshman Brian Burns has been stellar as well. That group of ends will be taking two true sophomores at offensive tackle.

On the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers, Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Dexter Lawrence have all been outstanding up front. After trotting out four different starting offensive lines in the first four games, the Seminoles seem to have found some cohesiveness with Landon Dickerson and Brock Ruble manning the right side. As a whole however, the FSU front did struggle against Wake Forest and from a talent standpoint, Clemson is much better.

5. Third Down
It’s been mentioned before that as the Seminoles have gone on third down this season, so have they gone in terms of wins and losses. Being able to convert on third down won’t only keep scoring opportunities alive, but it will keep Watson off the field. In victories, FSU is converting 51 percent of its third downs, compared to 25 percent in losses. The Tigers rank ninth nationally in third down defense.

When it comes to converting third downs, Clemson ranks 20th. When given the opportunity, FSU must get off the field Saturday night. In wins this season, the Seminoles are holding opponents to a 32 percent conversion rate. In losses, opponents are converting at a 61 percent clip.

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