Florida State vs. Clemson: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Tigers Must Make

The 11th ranked Florida State Seminoles rolled into Death Valley this weekend hoping to avenge last week's loss to No. 1 Oklahoma.  So far No. 21 Clemson have taken advantage of an injury ridden Noles team and dominated the flow of the game. 

Here are five things Clemson must do to keep control in the second half against FSU.

Stay Cool

The only thing that’s going to stop the Tigers' high powered offense is themselves.  The vaunted Florida State D has shown they can’t touch Tajh Boyd or freshman phenom, Sammy Watkins, if the Tigers execute.   

Sammy Watkins

Watkins announced his star power with authority last week with 10 catches for 155 yards against a sub-par Auburn defense.  So far, the South Florida native and former FSU recruit is proving the Auburn game was no fluke as he has torn up the NCAA’s 10th ranked defense.

If I were Dabo Swinney, I would be trying to get the ball in his hands almost every play. 

Get in Clint Trickett’s Face

Everybody in Death Valley knows the Seminoles are going to have to throw the ball to get back into this game.  Dabo Swinney needs to remember Clint Trickett is a freshman QB making his first collegiate start and let the Tigers’ pass rush bring the pain.  From the looks of Trickett’s scrawny frame, one good hit might put him out of commission for the rest of the game. 

Go for the Throat

The Tigers need to keep the peddle to the metal on offense and make FSU try and catch them.  If they can put 35 points on the board I would bet the farm that Trickett and the Noles won’t be able to catch them. 

Death Valley Crowd:

This is a huge game for both teams.  If it gets close down the stretch the legendary Death Valley faithful could have their say in the outcome.