Clemson and Florida State are facing each other in a Saturday afternoon showdown of two ACC programs going in opposite directions.
Florida State hasn’t lived up to expectations this season and it has been a nightmare for coach Willie Taggart and a strong Seminole fanbase. The offense doesn’t have the same identity as they are more of a pass-happy team instead of balancing out the playcalling and running the ball while averaging 25 points a game. They only average 98 yards a game on the ground. The passing game averages 265 yards a game and Deondre Francois is the reason behind it all.
Francois has thrown for 1,859 yards with 13 touchdowns on the year. Nyquaon Murray and Tamorrion Terry are a big reason for Francois’ success. Murray is leading the team in receiving yards (487) and catches (35) with three touchdowns. Terry leads the team five touchdowns.
The Florida State defense on paper is one of the best in the nation but they haven’t really lived up to the hype. They do have some players to look out for starting with Brian Burns who is one of the best pass rushers in the nation with nine sacks on the year. The defense has allowed an average of 24 points a game and 372 yards.
Clemson has been taking names all year and has checked them all off so far. They have been playing good on defense all year and that is a credit to their front seven starting with the defensive line that has first round grades across the board. They have given up an average of 13 points per game and rank sixth in the country in total defense, allowing an average of 266 yards a game.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is playing very well since overtaking the departed Kelly Bryant for the starting job. The freshman has thrown for 1,176 yards along with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Travis Etienne is playing phenomenal and could sneak into the Heisman race. Tee Wiggins and Justyn Ross are helping out Lawrence in the passing game, with the duo combining for 787 yards and eight touchdowns.
Clemson is the far superior team and the 17-point spread reflects that.
How to watch and bet on Clemson – Florida State
Date: Saturday, Oct 27
Start Time: 12:30 ET
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Odds: -17 CLEM
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Prediction: Clemson’s rise and coincided with Florida State’s fall and the Tigers will pounce on the Noles in this showdown of ACC rivals. There’s just too much talent on both sides of the ball for Clemson for Florida State to contend with.
Score: Clemson 49, FSU 14