FSU Football: Why the Seminoles Can Win Without EJ Manuel

For those of you who don't know, Clemson is hosting Florida State this afternoon in a key ACC battle.

The Tigers have yet to lose a game, and they have already defeated Auburn at Death Valley.

As if a trip to the place where they have lost four consecutive games isn't difficult enough, they will do so without their starting quarterback.

E.J. Manuel will not play and will be replaced by Clint Trickett.

FSU fans are holding their collective breath for this one, hoping a second consecutive loss is not in the works.

This list runs down five reasons why FSU can beat Clemson—even without Manuel.

Coaching

Only south of the Mason-Dixon Line would you find a game where the two coaches go by "Jimbo" and "Dabo."

Anyway, while Dabo Swinney has proven to be a solid coach, Jimbo Fisher is a better one.

Fisher's defensive unit is especially stout, and he has shown the ability to make adjustments mid-game.

While neither has established himself as a coaching legend or anything of that nature at this point, it's pretty clear that State has the edge in this department.

Clint Trickett

Yeah, he looks like some sort of bad Tom Cruise/Harry Potter hybrid on the field.

I mean, most of the ball boys are bigger than Trickett.

However, he showed unusual poise against Oklahoma and was able to move the ball effectively at times.

With all the experience surrounding him on offense, he will have the opportunity to prove it was not just a fluke last week.

And he will take advantage.

Clemson's defense is not in the same league as Oklahoma's and Trickett will take advantage, even in a hostile environment.

Defensive Line Play

The Seminoles have had plenty of success this season finding their way into their opponents backfield.

On top of that, it was obvious against Oklahoma last week that the D-line's pressure is what was bothering Landry Jones.

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd is no Jones, but he is extremely athletic.

The defensive line will have to continue to make big plays and get some push up front.

The Tigers have allowed seven sacks already this season, and this front seven will generate a few more today.

Turnovers

Clemson has one of the most explosive offenses in the country but not the most productive.

In today's contest, the Seminoles are going to take advantage of their mistakes and create some turnovers.

Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid will be keying in on Tajh Boyd, and Brandon Jenkins and company will force at least one fumble.

FSU has proven they can win the turnover battle and will do so again in this one.

Limiting Big Plays

As has been mentioned, the FSU defense is stout.

Their ability to limit big plays against Clemson will be one reason they can pull out the big win.

The Tigers are explosive, no doubt about it, with 50 plays already this season gaining 10 yards or more.

However, the Seminoles are limiting opponents to just 3.4 yards per play.

Somethings gotta give, and I think it will be the Clemson offense.