Florida State Football: Previewing the Clemson Game

Coming off a tough 23-13 loss to Oklahoma should be quite the challenge of bouncing back with a huge test as "Death Valley" awaits the Florida State Seminoles.

This game could determine a trip the ACC Championship and with a nicked-up squad, it certainly makes this game an extremely tough one.

Will E.J. Manuel play, and if he does not, can the Noles still win?

When Florida State Runs the Ball

EJ Manuel had a huge game running against Oklahoma until he left with a bum shoulder, but even if he plays, it might be safe to assume he won't be running outside the pocket much.

Ty Jones, Devonta Freeman and Chris Thompson must step up their games to take the pressure off whoever is under center.

FSU ranks just 100th in the nation averaging only 96 yards a game rushing. That number must improve if they want to win the conference. Luckily, Clemson has had major issues against the run, allowing 224 yards a game (110th).

The offensive line still needs to open up more holes, though the Sooners run defense is a few notches ahead of Clemson's squad. Still, until FSU shows they can run the ball, I will not be taking them in most of their matchups against ranked teams this season.

SLIGHT EDGE: Clemson

When Clemson Runs the Ball

Andre Ellington's status is unknown, but they have a few other backs who can step up their games. DJ Howard was arguably the player of the game in the second half against Auburn.

He toted the rock nine times for 86 yards, and his backup, Mike Bellamy, was not shabby either, despite fumbling. 11 carries for 36 yards for the true freshman is nothing to hang your hat on, but he needs to be taken into account in the backfield with his solid speed. 

Clemson ranks 27th in the nation averaging 216 rushing yards per game which is impressive with the amount of times they throw the ball. The biggest threat out of the backfield may be true freshman Sammy Watkins. Florida State must be ready for those jet sweeps and pop him as soon as he gets the carry.

The Seminoles rank 17th against the run, allowing just 77 yards per game, thanks in large part to two stud bookends: Brandon Jenkins and Bjoern Werner. The duo of linebackers in Christian Jones and Nigel Bradham are a force to be reckoned with. 

SLIGHT EDGE: FSU

When Florida State Passes the Ball

EJ Manuel will hopefully play, but if he cannot, Clint Trickett is read to go. That would not be the best choice to make his very first road game, but he is capable of running this offense still. 

I am going to assume Manuel plays, but we do know that Jarred "Scooter" Haggins and Kenny Shaw are both out for at least this weekend. Haggins is out 4-6 weeks, Bert Reed is questionable with an ankle injury, Willie Haulstead (concussion) and Shaw (concussion) are all on the injury report.

Who is going to play? Well, Rashad Greene and Rodney Smith are two capable players who can get the job done. Plus, Greg Dent has seen some time, but hope is that Reed can play to help stretch the field. Haulstead should be back very soon, but his status is still up in the air.

Regardless, the speed is still there and Clemson is just 46th in the nation against the pass, allowing 194 yards per game. 

FSU is ranked 13th in the country in passing offense, which is remarkable with all of their injuries at receiver, but they are that talented. There are a ton of guys who can stretch the field and it will be a nice battle to look forward to against Clemson.

SLIGHT EDGE: FSU 

When Clemson Passes the Ball

Tajh Boyd put on quite the performance in his very first true test as a collegiate quarterback. Throwing for 386 yards and 4 TDs without an INT is one hell of a game. Plus, it was against the defending national champion Auburn Tigers.

Sammy Watkins deserves a ton of the credit because he is a flat-out superstar in the making for ACC country. His large frame went bonkers hauling in 10 passes for 155 yards and 2 TDs. Xavier Rhodes, Greg Reid and Mike Harris better be able limit or else it will be a long game.

DeAndre Hopkins also deserves a ton of looks because of his lanky, athletic frame that can go up and take passes away from any defender. 

The third top target on this team is their tight end Dwayne Allen, who hauled in seven passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. At 6'4" and 255 pounds, he is quite the monster to go up against.  

I am looking for continuing development from stud safety Lamarcus Joyner to make the difference at the end of the ball game.

SLIGHT EDGE: FSU

Facts, Matchup and X-Factor

Facts

The visitor when these teams match up has gone just 1-8 in the last nine meetings. FSU has lost to Clemson at "Death Valley" by an average of 15 points per game in the last four meetings.

The winner of this game would get a clear edge in the Atlantic and could be representing the ACC in the BCS. EJ Manuel comes into this game as a question mark since injuring his left shoulder, which should make him a game-time decision come Saturday afternoon.

Matchup- Clemson O-Line vs FSU D-Line

Florida State manhandled OU's front five for many stages of the game in passing situations because of the ferocious pressure off the edge. Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins are two flat-out studs that gave Oklahoma a ton of trouble.

Clemson's line is about a notch below the Sooners, so this could play a huge factor with Florida State going up against a scorching hot signal-caller in Tajh Boyd.

X-Factor- Dustin Hopkins/K

Really, a kicker? Yes, Florida State will get plenty of scoring options and they must be able to turn them into touchdowns, but with Manuel's status in limbo, Dustin Hopkins should be able to convert when asked upon. He kept the 'Noles in their ball game last weekend, and we could be looking at a possible kick that decides this game.

Why Clemson Can Win

Their offense is actually more explosive with Tajh Boyd connecting at will with Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins and Dwayne Allen. Allen is huge at H-back/tight end with his ability to block as well make big plays down the field on crucial third downs.

Clemson did a great job in coverage thanks to a huge interception from Coty Sensabaugh. The Tigers can win the turnover battle and the game if they play smart and avoid the dumb penalties.

Why Florida State Can Win

Even with a bevy of receivers, running backs and a quarterback nicked up, they still come into the game with a great chance to win. On paper that sounds nice, but they need to give the same effort that they gave Oklahoma.

Plus, Clemson has a nicked-up runner with Andre Ellington (hamstring), though Mike Bellamy and DJ Howard are capable backups.

Despite a ton of injuries, the Seminoles come into this game as the slight favorites in my book. Clemson may be favored by the so called "experts," but they may change based on the status of EJ Manuel.

Drama's Forecast

It will be tough cooking for the offense if he cannot play or perform well, but Clint Trickett showed in relief last weekend that he has an accurate arm that can take this offense to similar places.

EJ is just a bigger body that sees the field a bit better since he is more experienced and has a ton of more upside with his talent. The Seminoles will not win this game by a ton if they cannot run the ball with Chris Thompson (back), but they can certainly win ugly with special teams and defense.

Dustin Hopkins and Shaun Powell give this squad an overall slight advantage and Greg Reid (leg) is overdue to bust a few long returns to give FSU great field position. The key will be turnovers, since three turnovers was way too many to give away against the top ranked team in America.

Anything more than two on the road would certainly dash their hopes against Clemson. I look for fewer mistakes and more execution in the running game to make up the difference in a game that will come down to the wire, regardless of who is under center come Saturday afternoon.

DRAMA'S PICK: FLORIDA STATE 24, CLEMSON 23