College Football: Predicting every undefeated teams first loss
By Carly Regehr
2. Clemson Tigers
W-L Record: 7-0
Remaining Schedule: @ Florida St., Syracuse, Pittsburgh, @ Wake Forest, South Carolina
They will fall victim to…
Florida State on Oct. 29
Doak Campbell Stadium will welcome DeShaun Watson and the Tigers next Saturday. Well, it won’t be much of a welcome, but I’m sure he’ll be loved by the handful of Clemson fans who dare to show up in Tallahassee.
No. 4 Clemson travels to Florida undefeated, but No. 13 Florida State might spoil that plan. The reason being is that Dabo Swinney won’t be lounging in the comfort of the Clemson campus. Doak Campbell Stadium can be very rowdy and unforgiving. It’s certainly not a place to piss off, let alone fool around in.
But what a good time it’ll be for Jimbo Fisher and Florida State. Before we get started, there’s a couple of games that need to be addressed – North Carolina and Wake Forest. Florida State pretty much blew smoke up their own behinds when they let UNC take the reins in a 37-35 win. As for the fact that Wake Forest restrained FSU to 17 points? Bogus and unacceptable, especially since that was at home.
Otherwise, freshman QB DeAndre Francois should count his blessings, because he won’t have to face Clemson in South Carolina. He will, however, have his work day cut out for him as he takes on a loaded Clemson defense. Like anything that requires skill and an ounce of luck, there is a strategy guide that the Seminoles could follow.
For starters, avoid LB Ben Boulware at all costs. Two, pressure the bonkers out of Watson – he’s too lethal if he’s shown real estate. Basically, unleash Florida State’s sack leader, DeMarcus Walker (8.5), on him. Finally, let Dalvin Cook roam. Clemson’s defense has allowed seven rushing touchdowns to just four passing touchdowns.