FSU Preview: Florida State versus Clemson

On Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN the Seminoles will host the 15^th ranked Clemson Tigers.

Clemson is 3-1 with wins against Appalachian State, NC State and Stanford and a loss to Georgia.

FSU is 21-15 against the Tigers in the series all-time. The ‘Noles beat Clemson in an overtime thriller last season, 31-24. Florida State hasn’t beaten the Tigers at home since 2014.

Observations from the last game

Other than a couple good throws by DJ Uiagalelei and Shyheim Brown’s blocked field goal the ‘Noles were terrible in every aspect of the game.

The defense looked lost and couldn’t communicate fast enough to deal with the Mustangs fast paced offense.

SMU is a good team and should compete for the ACC title.

Florida State offense versus Clemson defense

During the SMU game quarterback DJ Uiagalelei broke a bone in his throwing hand and will be out for at least a few weeks. His replacement is the 4-star prospect from Memphis, Brock Glenn. Glenn is 1-1 as the starter. Glenn is very athletic and has all the tools to be successful. His athleticism can help him get out of trouble, but his pocket awareness will be tested against the talented Clemson defensive front 7.

Defensive end TJ Parker is the anchor of the defensive line with 3 sacks on the season. Wade Woodaz (26 tackles), Sammy Brown (2 sacks) and Barrett Carter are the starters for one of the best linebacker corps in the country. The ‘Noles need to stay in manageable down and distances to be able to move the ball. If the offense can stop the mental mistakes, they’ll have a chance to get it done.

Florida State defense versus Clemson offense

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is having an incredible season with 16 total touchdowns and 984 yards passing. Josh Farmer, Pat Payton and Marvin Jones need to pressure him in order to slow the Tiger’s offense. Pressure from the defensive line will help the secondary by giving them less time to have to cover the receivers. I think we’ll see Quindarius Jones get more snaps over Fentrell Cypress at cornerback this weekend.

Clubnik’s favorite targets to throw to are Bryant Wesco (34 yards per catch), Antonio Williams and tight end Jake Briningstool (3 TDs). The starting running back is Phil Mafah, who has 2 touchdowns and is averaging 8 yards per carry. The linebackers need stay disciplined and fill the rushing lanes to stop Mafah.

Special Teams

The FSU kickers continue to do well but the inconsistencies in the return game are becoming a glaring issue. Advantage: Clemson  

Prediction

The Tigers’ front 7 will stop the run game forcing Glenn to try to beat them. He’ll make a few plays but not enough to sustain drives. This should give Clemson good field position all game. FSU’s defense is going to play better against a slower paced offense but won’t be able to hold every time.

Florida State 14 Clemson 38