Clemson Football Opponent Preview: Seeking Revenge in Tallahassee - Game 5: Clemson vs. Florida State

The latest installment of the fierce Clemson-Florida State rivalry unfolded on September 23, 2023.

The fourth-ranked Seminoles took to Memorial Stadium against Clemson, looking to start the season with an unblemished 4-0 record. The Tigers, however, had more to say.

After a missed field goal by Clemson kicker Jonathan Weitz near the end of regulation, the game went into overtime. In the Tigers’ eyes, a matchup that should’ve been won was ultimately lost following a 24-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Travis to Keon Coleman that sent the Seminoles to a 31-24 victory.

Despite an undefeated season, Florida State had its own drama, with injuries across the entire offense and being denied from the playoffs. Now, the Noles enter 2024 looking to leave no territories uncharted and no doubts left in the air.

OFFENSE

What goes around comes around, as Oregon State transfer and former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei heads to lead the Seminoles in their chase for a playoff appearance in 2024. An exciting storyline is that the former Tiger leads their ACC rivals against Clemson in a possible retribution game for the orange and white.

It might be hard to get an exact replacement for Travis, who took his talents to the New York Jets and is now sitting behind future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Nonetheless, Uiagalelei showed his stuff at Oregon State and earned an upgrade to Tallahassee.

Not only did the Noles lose Travis, but they also lost their top rusher, their top two receivers and their top tight end. Still, they have talent in the receiver room, with senior Ja’Khi Douglas and sophomore Hykeem Williams among the returning men. Alabama transfer Malik Benson will look to have a feature role as well.

Both the rushing room and the tight end room are up for grabs, with talent all across each unit. Caziah Holmes is a top guy at running back, putting up solid numbers as a backup in 2023. However, FSU lost multiple tight ends from last year, so new players must step up at the position.

DEFENSE

Even though the offense took a bigger hit than the defense, the latter didn’t escape unscathed. The biggest loss is defensive end Jared Verse, but FSU retained star edge Patrick Payton, while Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. will line up opposite him to create formidable bookends up front.

Additionally, Oregon State transfer Sione Lolohea, Alabama transfer Earl Little Jr., and others will help beef up the defense.

Many of their standout players, including DL Joshua Farmer, LB DJ Lundy, DBs Shyheim Brown and Azareye’h Thomas, and more, will be returning, and their improved game will help make their defense tough yet again.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ryan Fitzgerald takes the reins at kicker yet again, with Alex Mastromanno to man the punter position and All-American returner Jaylin Lucas from Indiana to join him. By the looks of things, their kicking unit will again be strong.

OVERVIEW

After an unexpected ending to a great year for the Seminoles, they look forward to similar success.

Their schedule favors them, with a potentially softer beginning of the season and a few challengers here and there for the rest of 2024.

What is known for sure is that their rematch on Oct. 5 against the Tigers will not come easy, as Uiagalelei will fight to lead his new team against his former squad while Clemson seeks redemption from its previous outing.

This game will headline the ACC’s strength and power in a big way. A classic could certainly be in store for the 2024 showdown between the Tigers and Noles.