Clemson

I am thrilled to say that Florida State is trending upwards under the Taggart regime. With a an Offensive Line that is, finally, finding it’s rhythm under the new offense, Francois is finding the explosive plays necessary to enable Florida State wins over their tough slate of opponents. Unfortunately for the Seminoles, they’ll now have to take their lessons and defend their home against a surging Clemson squad. Lead by Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers of Death Valley are firing on all cylinders at the right time.

Florida State is the only challenged in their path as they march towards what seems to be another inevitable berth in the College Football Playoff. This game will be a battle in the trenches, and should serve as a defensive slug-fest. Let me make myself clear: this is a significant rivalry game and is always played to it’s billing (save for that 2013 match-up). I did not give Florida State any chance against Clemson last season, and I was pleased that Florida State was in the running mid-way through the 4th quarter (and a chance to lead). In 2016, Florida State should of won at home, save for costly turnovers at the end of the game, costing the Noles a victory at home. In 2015, the rebuilding Noles near shocked the rising Tigers in Death Valley. In 2014, Sean Maguire famously whispered, “Oh my God, we got the ball back!” The Noles should of lost at home against Clemson, the better team without Jameis at the helm. After learning of the performance against Miami, I have no doubts that Willie Taggart has an ace up his sleeve against the Tigers.

With each loss, the Noles learned more about themselves, and have pushed to better themselves because of it. Florida State fights each and every game. The defense is stellar, and pushes Quarterbacks to be on top of their game. Trevor Lawrence has never experienced Doak Campbell at full tune. Despite the noon billing, this game the Noles will be energized. Clemson has everything to lose, and the week before to out-scheme the Wolfpack. Florida State is surging after a win against Wake Forest, and found itself in a position to cruise towards the end. I’ve a suspicion they took two weeks to prep for Clemson, in addition to the bye.

I’m not so convinced that Clemson will blow Florida State away, especially the way Jimbo had the Aggies competing against his former rival. Willie is out to make a statement, and Clemson could be poised for a loss. This game will hinge on Trevor Lawrence, and whether the Noles defense can shake his game play. Clemson, I believe, is always good for a loss each season. This game, with the rising Seminoles, is a good a time as any this season for the Tigers.

Final Verdict

I won’t hide it: I am very bullish on the Noles entering their toughest stretch of games in their season. I think the Noles are good for an upset against one of the four ranked teams on their schedule, at the very least. Florida State is making the right strides to challenge Clemson at home, I believe. If they can complete a full game, similar to how they’ve performed against Miami (before the final third of the game) and Wake Forest (not the first half of the first quarter) and keep Francois upright, I think Florida State can compete and, perhaps, win. I think this game is a tight one. Trevor Lawrence is caught off guard in a noon game against a traditional rival. Give me, after three long seasons, the Noles in a colossal upset (Clemson will go on to win-out and still make the College Football Playoff).

Clemson: 24

Florida State: 28

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