Clemson (4-4, 2-3) and No. 24 Florida State (6-2, 3-2) meet today at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Tigers had a big win last week over Boston College, 27-21. Clemson was led by RB C.J. Spiller, who had over 200 all-purpose yards.
The Seminoles are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Georgia Tech, 31-28. Florida State had the ball at the Tech 3-yard line, but FB Marcus Sims was hit and fumbled into the endzone and Rashaad Reid recovered the fumble for Tech with 45 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Clemson on Offense
Clemson could have a tough time against a Florida State defense that is ranked in the top 10 nationally. All QB Cullen Harper has to do is avoid turning the ball over, and the Tigers should be able to put some points on the board.
RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller have had big games against the Seminoles in recent years, especially Davis.
Clemson WR Aaron Kelly has three TDs the in last two games after having zero in the first six games. Expect to see a lot from QB Willy Korn for the Tigers today as well.
Clemson on Defense
The Tigers' defense came out busting heads last week at BC, and I expect that to continue today against Florida State.
FSU QB Christian Ponder could cause problems for the Tigers with his mobility. DE's Ricky Sapp and Da'quan Bowers should be able to pressure Ponder into some bad decisions.
Special Teams
Clemson K Mark Bucholz had his first missed kick of the season last week. C.J. Spiller had another big return for the Tigers to set up the winning TD last week.
Final Decision
Under Tommy Bowden, the Tigers had the Seminoles' number the last few years, winning three in a row and four out of five. But Tommy's not there anymore, and Daddy's happy about that.
There is a huge difference in coaching experience between the two staffs today. The Clemson staff has several very young coaches like Head Coach Dabo Swinney and Offensive Coordinator Billy Napier.
The 'Noles coaches have tons of experience with coaches like Chuck Amato, Mickey Andrews, Jimbo Fisher, and of course Bobby Bowden on the staff. This could help the Tigers' though, becaue these young coaches have not really developed tendencies yet, so FSU might not know what's coming.
I expect C.J. Spiller and James Davis to have big games for the Tigers today, and I look for QB Willy Korn to come in and help spark the offense and open some eyes today.
The Tigers' defense will contain the FSU offense and stay aggressive all day. Coach Swinney will have the Tigers fired up, and they will come out and beat down the Seminoles.
Clemson 24, Florida State 10
Kickoff is at 3:30 on ABC, check your local listings for coverage in your area.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Florida State Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete