Clemson Tigers

Clemson Football: Clemson v. Florida State Staff Picks and Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Clemson football has its final obstacle on the path to the national title, and it’s a big one. The Seminoles are looking for a chance to destroy Clemson’s perfect season-and redeem their own. At the end of the night, it may come down to who wants it more.

Clemson vs. Florida State Game Predictions and Preview

When: Saturday, Oct. 29 –8:00 p.m. EST
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
TV Broadcast: ABC

This weekend’s game is still one of the most relevant and exciting games on the ACC schedule, despite the fact that it won’t be between two Top 5 contenders like 2013’s contest. It’s not going to be as impactful as it might have been if the ‘Noles had played as well as they were expected in the preseason. But this is still a prime time. marquee matchup. Clemson was wobbly in their last game against NC State, with an overtime win. The Seminoles already have two losses, so they won’t be in playoff contention even if they can win out the remainder of the season. However, don’t think that the Seminoles aren’t still a dangerous team.

This game will be about Clemson’s outstanding offense and Florida State’s defense.

Clemson Information

For the Tigers, this is a chance to reverse their history in Tallahassee and to overcome what appears to be the last major hurdle between them and the national title game. Deshaun Watson is a triple threat QB, who can use his legs as much as his arm. The Tigers have allowed only seven sacks in their first seven games-that is 12th in the country. Wayne Gallman will be back and ready to play on Saturday, and the man can be almost unstoppable. Clemson is the more complete team in this contest. The big-play ability of Clemson’s defense will limit the effectiveness of FSU’s Dalvin Cook.

Florida State Information

The Seminoles are 11-1 against Clemson in Tallahassee over the last 25 years, with the only loss coming in 2006. Early in the season, analysts described the Florida State defensive line as one of the best in the country due to its speed, depth, and versatility. If they can coalesce as a unit, they could just pull off an upset. If the Florida State secondary can get after quarterback Deshaun Watson, it can force mistakes. Oh yeah, and FSU still has Dalvin Cook.

Name	Pick	Score
Collins		34-28
Sickmon		30-29 (OT)
Greeson		27-17
Messenger		34-21
Little		34-27

The contest may come down to red-zone performance. Clemson’s 58-percent red zone efficiency this season ranks 89th in the FBS. This game will be an emotional one on both sides. FSU has moved the ball well this season, but often to no avail. FSU needs to be able to convert on third downs, a skill which Deshaun Watson can perform in his sleep. FSU’s QB Deondre Francois has a terrific highlight yard average (9.1) but Clemson is the better team. Still, Clemson needs to keep an eye on the ‘Noles so that a decade of history doesn’t repeat.