Many years, when Florida State and Clemson do battle, a spot in the ACC Championship Game tends to be on the line. Not this season. At least for the Seminoles.
After beginning the season ranked inside of the Top 10 and with College Football Playoff aspirations, Mike Norvell’s team has dropped four of its first five games, with three of those coming at home. Boston College, SMU and Memphis have all gone into Doak Campbell and knocked off the ‘Noles in 2024.
Very little has gone right for Florida State. The defense has failed to live up to lofty expectations and the offense has been an absolute dumpster fire. While the quarterback play has gotten a lot of the blame, the problems run much deeper, as they are scoring just 15.2 points per contest.
The offensive line has been putrid. Pass protection has been non-existent at times, as has the running game. The Seminoles are rushing for just 65 yards per game. Their 12 sacks allowed doesn’t come close to telling how bad the protection has been. Before his injury, DJ Uiagalelei faced the highest pressure rate (47.8%) of any Power conference quarterback and it wasn’t even close.
On the other hand, Clemson has done a really good job since the season-opening loss to Georgia. This offense is clicking and in a way that we’ve not seen in quite some time. Cade Klubnik is playing as well as almost any quarterback in the country.
The junior signal caller is currently 4th in the nation in QBR. He finished 69th a season ago. His passing efficiency is 13th after he was 80th last year. His efficiency on third down so far this year is also 4th nationally.
The numbers speak for themselves. However, Klubnik and this offense now have to show they can go out and do it on the road. Dabo Swinney has said it multiple times in the past week. Good teams win at home, great ones go win on the road.
In each of the past three wins, the Tigers have struck quickly, jumping up on opponents fast. Doing that to this Florida State team should prove beneficial. The Seminoles haven’t responded well when faced with an early deficit.
With Brock Glenn making just his third career start at quarterback, putting him in an early hole could lead to the redshirt freshman making some mistakes. Putting pressure on Glenn will be key. He can’t be allowed to settle in and get into a groove.
Although, the biggest key just might come in the run defense. The Tigers have to be better at setting the edge and slowing down some of those outside runs. Do that, and make the Seminoles offense one-dimensional. Make Glenn beat you with his arm.
At this point, Florida State has nothing to play for but pride. With a ranked Clemson team coming to town, I fully expect the ‘Noles to be up for this one. However, I’m not sure how long they stay up. Maybe not long at all.
Clemson 35 FSU 13
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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