College Football
Clemson vs Florida State Football Preview
Clemson vs Florida State. A few years ago this was one of the hottest rivalries in the nation. Now we have a noon game in Tallahassee with two teams on opposite sides of the fence. Clemson heads into this matchup undefeated and Florida State has seen better days. Still, anyone who has kept up with a rivalry before knows the best victories come when the underdog pulls off the unthinkable. Florida State enters a 16 point underdog at home, but don’t think the Seminoles don’t stand a chance!
Clemson O vs Florida State D
Clemson rolls into this game averaging 522 yards a game (268 passing, 254 rushing). Florida State is allowing 371 yards a game (271 passing, 100 rushing) on defense. This matchup is what will either make the rivalry game interesting or ugly. The good news is that Florida State is at home and the defense can thrive on the crowd in the early going. However, as Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence gets more reps, the more dangerous this Tiger offense becomes. The last time Lawrence saw a crowd this big was the Texas A&M game earlier and he struggled, so Florida State hopes their home field will affect him the same way. Will Florida State let Lawrence beat them like NC State or will they pick their poison and hope for the best?
Edge: Clemson
Florida State O vs Clemson D
Florida State’s offense has seen better days. They are averaging 364 yards per game (265 passing, 99 rushing) and their offensive line is not the best. Clemson’s defense has allowed 266 yards per game (158 passing, 108 rushing). Sadly, Florida State has a talented young back in Cam Akers, but he will probably run into a buzz saw every time he touches the ball. Deondre Francois and the receivers are going to have to make plays to extend drives. I don’t see Florida State being able to have a lot of success on offense, but never count out the underdog.
Edge: Clemson
What Will Happen…
Florida State gets fired up for their super bowl. No, winning the Atlantic Division title isn’t on the line, but Head Coach Willie Taggart would score his first big victory at Florida State and spoiling a rival’s undefeated season can always make a fan smile. However, the Seminoles won’t be able to keep up. Clemson will begin to get their offensive groove and their defense will stump the Seminoles drive after drive. Florida State will do all they can but if Clemson shows up with the same focus as last week, this game might be over by half time. Pick your poison, Florida State, by ground or air, the Tigers win convincingly.
Clemson 45 Florida State 17
What do you think? Will the Clemson vs Florida State rivalry game be close or a blow out?
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Photo credit to Dawson Powers via Flickr
