Preview: #22 Clemson @ #1 Florida State
Date: 9/20/2014
Time: 20:00 ET
Players to Watch
Jameis Winston, quarterback (FSU): The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has been simply mediocre thus far in 2014. We all know what he can do and regaining his form against rivals Clemson would be extremely timely. Winston made a name for himself in the reverse fixture last season.
Rashad Greene, wide receiver (FSU): Greene is Winston’s go-to receiver and the senior has 15 receptions for 283 yards and a touchdown through two games. After being the predominant possession receiver in 2013, he has stretched the field much more without Kelvin Benjamin opposite him.
Vic Beasley, defensive end (CLE): Two games, two sacks and two tackles for a loss thus far for one of the most hyped defensive ends in the country. After a 13-sack junior year, all eyes are on the 6’2” pass rusher.
Artavis Scott, wide receiver (CLE): After losing Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant, many wondered where the next Tigers receiver would come from. Many thought sophomore Mike Williams would take up the mantle and, although he has impressed, it is freshman wide-out Scott who has caught the eye of opposing defensive coordinators. Eight catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns set him up nicely for a big first year.
Tigers’ Offense Vs Seminoles’ Defense
Cole Stoudt has been under center for Clemson and, despite playing fairly well, he has been spelled at times by the impressive freshman Deshaun Watson. Stoudt is not a ‘wow’ player but he takes care of the football and can be relied upon while Watson is a playmaker at heart who has thrown some beautiful balls already in his short career. Receivers Scott and Williams will give defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt something to think about.
The ‘Noles’ defense has been far from water tight thus far through two games, and stand-out defensive back Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams have been slowed by injuries. Clemson will be a big test and we should get some idea of where the unit stands after Saturday.
Tigers’ Defense Vs Seminoles' Offense
Clemson’s defense was supposed to yield one of the best front sevens in the nation. However, Todd Gurley – despite being a tremendous tailback – made things look far too easy. Beasley was pushed around in the run game with ease and will be keen to show he is an every-down defender.
Florida State’s offense, as mentioned above, has failed to click with Winston but that could just be growing pains with piece chopping and changing. Getting the ball to tight end Nick O’Leary more and more as the season progresses should open the game up for Winston and the rest of the offense.
Game Preview
It is hard to gauge how tough this game will be for the Seminoles after the Tigers where brushed aside by Georgia. The Bulldogs are a very good team but their loss to South Carolina – who themselves have suffered a heavy defeat this season – makes the situation very foggy. Jimbo Fisher will be confident of overcoming his side’s rivals and notching win number three.
Implications
For Florida State this is the first of two tough games with the rest of the schedule looking rather weak. With that in mind a loss could mean they struggle to claw back any ground loss on the top teams. For Clemson, a win would throw them up the rankings and back in the conversation about who should be in the top-four.
Prediction
Florida State has registered 30 or more points in 17 consecutive games and I doubt that streak ends here. FSU 31-10 CLEM