Clemson looks to get back on track
Re-establish the run: It’s hard to imagine a team with Travis Etienne at running back could be limited to 34 rushing yards by anybody. But that’s exactly what Notre Dame did two weeks ago in its 4740 double-overtime victory against the Tigers.
That marked the fewest rushing yards by Clemson since a 2011 loss at N.C. State, when it also was held to 34 yards. The Fighting Irish took advantage of an offensive line with four new starters to hold Etienne to a career-low 28 yards on 18 carries.
Florida State might be the perfect opponent to rejuvenate the Tigers’ rushing attack. The Seminoles are giving up an average of five yards per rush this season.
Leadership from Lawrence: Junior quarterback Trevor Lawrence is expected to be back under center for Clemson after missing the last two games after testing positive for COVID-19.
Freshman D.J. Uiagalalei filled in admirably during Lawrence’s absence and proved Clemson’s future at the position is in capable hands. But the Tigers certainly missed Lawrence’s poise and leadership, especially against Notre Dame.
Keys for Florida State
Get on the board early: This is going to be a challenge for a Florida State offense that has been inconsistent at best this season. Even though the first quarter has been their most productive, the Seminoles have been outscored 80-58 in the opening 15 minutes through eight games Putting points on the scoreboard early would be a boost of confidence for an FSU team that hasn’t had much to feel good about this season.
Shore up the secondary: Florida State’s defensive backfield endured its worst game of the season in a 38-22 loss at N.C. State last week. Former FSU quarterback Bailey Hockman made it look easy in torching the Seminoles for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
Shoring up those areas is imperative if Florida State is to have a fighting chance against Clemson.
Prediction
Clemson 51, Florida State 17: This used to be the ACC game everyone looked forward to each year. But times have changed, and Florida State has lost the swagger that made it one of the nation’s top programs in the 1990s. The 2000s have belonged to the Tigers and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.