A contest that was anticipated to be one of the ACC’s premier showdowns before the season began has now been reduced to a battle for pride. With Florida State’s bowl eligibility in jeopardy, the Seminoles face what could be a must-win situation when they travel to Death Valley on Saturday to face No. 4 Clemson.
We asked The Daily Nole staff to give their keys to the game:
Mike Ferguson, editor
Big plays needed
Look back on last week’s 27-24 victory over Syracuse and you’ll find that 49 percent of Florida State’s offense came on its three touchdown plays. The Seminoles scored on a 51-yard touchdown pass from Justin Blackman to Nyqwan Murray and on Cam Akers touchdown runs of 54 and 63 yards. With a loaded front seven for Clemson and a maligned offensive line for FSU, there is serious doubt as to whether the Seminoles can sustain drives, making the big plays all the more important. Clemson has given up 17 plays of at least 30 yards this season. FSU has made 19.
Do something game-changing
It may sound simplistic, but Florida State won’t win in Death Valley if it exchanges blows with Clemson for 60 minutes. The Seminoles have to make a play that turns the tide, whether it be a long touchdown play, a non-offensive score, a blocked punt or a series of forced turnovers. If the Seminoles are to win, they’re going to need a little magic.
Win on third down
Florida State should have opportunities on Saturday and it must make the most of them. For the defense, that means winning on third down. For the year, FSU has allowed opponents to convert 38 percent of its third down conversion attempts. Last week, the Seminoles allowed Syracuse to go 11-for-25 on third down which included conversions on to-go distances of eight, eight, 10, seven, nine, nine, 10 and 14 yards. If FSU gets Clemson into 3rd-and-long, it must get off the field. Conversely, FSU was just 1-for-13 on offense on third down and ranks just 119th in the country in that area. The Seminoles have to sustain drives this Saturday.
Clint Eiland, lead writer
Force Kelly Bryant to throw it
Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant is not nearly as reliable in the pocket as he is outside of it. He can absolutely take over a game if he gets his running opportunities. Florida State will need to keep him contained and have the offense rely on his passing. It might not completely work, but it’ll give FSU its best chance of winning on Saturday.
Have James Blackman take downfield shots
Last year’s game plan with Deondre Francois should serve as a good basis for this key. Even if the deep ball is connecting at a low rate, it spreads the defense out and takes pressure away from the line.
Be aggressive
If FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher sticks to the same conservative play-calling inside opponent territory, it’s all but guaranteed that FSU will be walking out with a loss. There’s no reason to play scared and give the Tigers any more chances than they already have. Keep the ball in your hands and convert key downs.
Joshua Mixon, staff writer
Win the line of scrimmage
Saturday’s contest will be won — or lost — in the trenches. The Tigers boast one of the best defensive line units in America, and versatile defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is an absolute monster. FSU has established itself as a run-first team, meaning Clemson will stack the box and dare Blackman to throw the ball. It’s up to FSU’s maligned offensive line to give him the time to make correct decisions.
Execute
It sounds cliche, but FSU’s inability to execute is what’s held it back in 2017. Just look back to week 1 — special teams errors doomed the Noles. Then against N.C. State, the Seminoles couldn’t buy a stop on defense — even when the entire stadium knew what was coming. Against Miami, the defense allowed two go-ahead touchdowns in the span of four minutes in the fourth quarter. Finally, a fumbled hand-off between Blackman and running back Cam Akers ultimately doomed the Noles against a sub-par Louisville team. Simply put, FSU must put together a complete game in order to pull of the upset on Saturday.
Don’t quit
This FSU team has the mental strength of me on leg day. It just isn’t there.
On a more serious note, the Noles must play inspired, and stay inspired, to have success against a Clemson team ready to make a statement to the College Football Playoff Committee. Last year, the Tigers jumped out to a quick 14-point lead. However, the Seminoles responded and nearly pulled off the comeback, before Deshaun Watson did Deshaun Watson things. Odds are, Clemson will jump out to a quick lead this time around. The question is, how will the Noles respond this time?
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