Written by Jacob Freedman
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3 Keys for Clemson
1. Defensive line play
The Tigers returned only one starter from the last year’s d-line, and it has shown thus far as the defense is allowing nearly 180 yards per game. Ball State is not terrible, but allowing 252 yards on the ground to a MAC squad is never a positive sign. The Tigers only have three sacks so far as well, an unimpressive total considering their schedule thus far. The narrow win over Auburn in the opener looks far less impressive now after those Tigers went out and almost lost to a Louisiana Monroe the next week. Defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and the explosive but underperforming Corey Crawford need to have better games in order to prevent the Seminoles from having their way on offense.
2. An effective and efficient Tahj Boyd
It goes without saying that a quarterback’s performance is crucial in big match-ups, but Boyd needs to be on his A game for the Tigers to have a chance. He has one of the nation’s best wide receiver duos in Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins at his disposal. The Seminoles are allowing just over 60 yards per game through the air, best in the nation. AccuScore projects Boyd to throw for approximately 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception, numbers that might not cut it against a powerful Seminole defense. It took a brilliant performance (344 yards and three touchdowns) by the redshirt junior to edge the Seminoles 35-30 at home in 2011. This year on the road, Tigers fans hope for an encore.
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3. Pass defense
The Tigers have forced six turnovers this season, all interceptions. Florida State’s E.J. Manuel is not known for his decision-making. Senior Rashard Hall and his fellow crew of corners could help keep the Tigers in contention by making big plays down the field to keep the Seminoles off the scoreboard.
3 Keys for Florida State
1. Run like it’s going out of style
AccuScore projections have the Seminoles rushing for over 200 yards which is the right approach their offense should take. Their rushing statistics thus far are gaudy: 736 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. It is a running back by committee approach with Chris Thompson expected to lead the way after running for 197 yards and two touchdowns (on just nine carries) last week. The video game numbers might slow down a bit, but expect coach Jimbo Fisher to utilize his depth to give the Tigers’ front seven headaches all game.
2. Protect the quarterback
Protection was a critical issue last year in Tallahassee. While E.J. Manuel’s desire to scramble didn’t help, the pass protection was ineffective allowing 41 sacks last year, ninth worst in the nation. So far the offensive line has allowed only three sacks, but all three were last week against Wake Forest, the first respectable opponent on the schedule. Pressure on quarterbacks can wreak havoc on an offense. Solid protection by the offensive line would allow the Seminoles to mix up the play-calling and try to spread the field vertically.
3. Attack the quarterback
Pass protection might be an issue for Florida State, but the Noles tend to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks as well. They have already racked up 11 sacks and nine other tackles for loss. A bulldozer at defensive end, Bjoern Werner has accounted for 6.5 of those quarterback takedowns, tops among individuals in the nation. Cornellius Carradine has filled in well for Brandon Jenkins after he went down for the season with a foot injury. The defensive line’s depth and speed will make keep Boyd on alert all game.
Game Prediction
Clemson’s offense, with Tajh Boyd slinging the ball and Andre Ellington making plays, is as explosive as it has ever been. Unfortunately for them, the Seminoles defense is top-notch and will be eager to prove themselves in front of 80,000-plus fans at Doak Campbell Stadium. Boyd will make a few big plays, but the Florida State running game will run ragged over the Tigers and the defense will step up and secure a resume-building victory for the Seminoles.
Florida State 28, Clemson 17
