The Florida State vs Clemson game on Saturday has plenty of season implications. Both teams are in the hunt for the ACC Atlantic division title. However, the likelihood of FSU winning the division has dwindled with losses to NC State and Wake Forest.
Florida State vs Clemson Preview
The No. 4 Tigers come in to town riding a 6-0 record. FSU comes in at 4-2 with consecutive losses. Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei has been solid for the team, but still hasn’t lived up to his full potential. If anything, backup signal-caller Cade Klubnik has made a large impression if Uiagalelei struggles. But, D.J. has been effective this season, throwing for 14 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Facing a stiff Noles defense this week won’t be easy. Florida State allows only 170 passing yards per game. If the Seminoles’ defensive front can pressure Uiagalelei, that makes Clemson have to use Will Shipley on the ground. He is averaging 75 yards per game rushing.
How the Noles Must Stop Clemson’s Offense
Containing Shipley won’t be an easy task for the defense. The Noles allow 155.3 rushing yards per game. With a dynamic Tigers offense coming to Tallahassee, this is a match-up that players like Jared Verse, Amari Gainer, and Tatum Bethune must be on their best game to earn key stops.
Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller has to enable a game plan that positions the defenders in tight coverage and drops the linebackers in certain packages. One area up front that will be key is whether the d-line can shed blocks to force pressure. Uiagalelei is good at scrambling when facing pressure. This could be a potential game-winning situation on either side. Florida State must be ready for both the air and ground attack that Clemson brings each week.
Jordan Travis Is Key For FSU
On offense, Jordan Travis and the receivers have to be on the same page. Communication issues on routes have been an issue at times. However, Travis was playing the best football of his career until the last two games. To get the Noles a big win and back in the Top 25, the signal-caller must manage the game well and make accurate throws in the pocket.
Ontaria Wilson and Johnny Wilson are FSU’s two key wideout threats. Targeting those players and dialing up routes to get them open will help the Noles move down the field. But, the running game cannot be forgotten. Trey Benson and Treshaun Ward have been monumental this season. A combined 791 yards and six touchdowns on the year have given the running back room a big boost. Those two tailbacks could be a key factor in late-game situations where FSU needs yardage.
Should this game be close, a lot of the Seminoles fan base would rather not have Ryan Fitzgerald on the field for a game-winning field goal. If it is within 30 yards, Mike Norvell might have no other choice if the yardage to gain is more than 5-7 yards. However, if FSU has a chance to win in the red zone, letting Travis take the game into his hands would be the ideal option. The Florida State vs Clemson match-up will certainly be one to watch this weekend in the ACC.
