Clemson at Florida State Preview

 

Clemson vs Florida State

 Finally, a top ten matchup worth talking about. These two teams have high hopes this season, and may all rest on this one game. Clemson hopes to repeat as ACC Champions. FSU hopes to win the ACC and contend for a National Title. Who has the advantage? Can Florida State put it all together this year and get back to where they used to be so consistently?

 

    There may not be too many clear cut advantages in this one, except for the Noles' Defense. Clemson's defense struggles to stop the run, and oddly enough, that's what FSU's offense does so well at this point. Florida State's defense has yet to give up a touchdown. Granted, they have played two FCS teams and Wake Forest, but even then I expected Wake would score at least a couple times. Clemson is no Wake Forest, though. The one obvious advantage is the defense and FSU has it.

 

 

  On the flip side, are there any advantages for Clemson? If there is, it has to be the play-makers they have on offense. Sammy Watkins, Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, Deandre Hopkins..... They all have proven they can make plays. FSU's offense is advertised as being 'LOADED'. That is true, but I don't believe they have proven they are the kind of play-makers that Clemson has, yet. I won't argue talent and speed, but Clemson has proven it. If FSU's want to prove they are loaded like everyone believes they are, then they have to prove it. FSU's has some great weapons, but who is going to step up and be "that guy"? They have so much talent, I just hope it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

 

   Speaking of FSU's loaded offense.....Does anyone know if FSU will use more plays from its playbook? Up to this point, many of the players and coaches still stand by their word. They all just laugh when asked about it. Some have said, "aww you guys hadn't seen nothing yet." Ej Manuel said it best, "Yeah I think we may have run about 3% of our playbook." This has to send chills up and down fans' spines. What is this offense truly capable of? Are they as 'LOADED' as advertised? I have a pretty good feeling we will see more of that 'iceberg' on Saturday night.

 

  Keys to Victory for Clemson:

 

  It starts up front for the Tigers. They have to be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They may trick FSU's defensive line a couple times with misdirection, but that won't be there all game. And on the other side, Clemson has to contain the running attack by FSU. They have given up too many yards on the ground, even to lesser foes. Pressuring EJ Manuel will be key as well. He has only been sacked 3 times this year and they all came against Wake Forest. And lastly, Clemson needs to be able to weather the storm. It will be loud, and both teams will be fired up. If they get down early, they have to be able to stay with the game plan and grind it out for all four quarters.

 

 

  Keys to Victory for Florida State:

 

  The common factor for both teams is controlling the line of scrimmage. If FSU gets control, it could be a long day for Clemson. The battle in the trenches will be vital. Confuse Tajh Boyd. FSU ran more zone last year during the season, but this year they are looking like they will be mixing it up with more man coverage. If the Noles' defense can confuse him on some of his pre-snap reads, that will pay off in a big way. Score TDs in the red zone. FSU can't afford to have to settle for field goals inside the twenty. EJ Manuel is the X factor on offense. He has to get comfortable early. FSU would love to get him in his groove early in the game. The Ground Game. FSU has shown they can run the ball pretty well, now they need to do it against a quality opponent. When the ground game is rolling, it opens up play-action. 

 

    So, who do I have in this one? THE NOLES!! We have been waiting for FSU to return for some time now. I believe the wait just might be over. I am still the fan that says: "I am tired of the hype and I am tired of getting my hopes up.....I believe they can do it, just go out and prove it now, will ya?!?!"

  I have FSU beating Clemson and I will leave it at that.

 

 Check back tomorrow for my picks for the rest of the key matchups of Week 4. Check us out of Facebook. Don't forget to answer our poll question of the week: Clemson @ Florida State, Who do you have?