Leading OFF
Francois’ injury gives Clemson leg up in ACC
No one should ever delight in another’s misery.
Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois injured his knee in the season opener Sept. 2 against Alabama. He was to have surgery and miss the rest of the season.
The misfortune brought no joy to Tallahassee. It also drains some juice out of the season for all college football fans.
But it might open the window of opportunity a bit wider for Florida State’s rivals.
Francois entered the season full of promise. His dynamic talent enhanced Florida State’s candidacy for the College Football Playoff. Before the injury, he displayed his improved passing and command of the offense.
Those skills made Francois a compelling player, but his toughness was even more captivating. The Seminoles’ deficiencies along the offensive line apparently have lingered from last season, when Francois endured a seemingly incessant series of shots from unsympathetic defenders.
He absorbed the hits. Dusted the debris from his shoulders. Never complained. Never wavered.
He would have repeated that sequence Sept. 2 if he could.
We appreciate that trait in this area. We can recall South Carolina’s Connor Shaw standing behind center when he just as easily could have been lying in a training room. We can recall Deshaun Watson leading Clemson to victory on a torn knee ligament.
Francois would have been a worthy combatant for Clemson’s defense, even with an offensive line that holds water like a slotted spoon. He passed for 286 yards against Clemson last year. Now, that matchup must wait another season.
Francois, his collection of targets and an assertive defense pushed Florida State ahead of Clemson in preseason polls, including the projected order of finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Francois’ absence alters those forecasts.
The Seminoles must turn to freshman James Blackman. He would not be the first backup quar- terback to defeat Clemson. When Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston was suspended for a game in 2014, Sean Maguire helped Florida State outlast the Tigers in Tallahassee.
Yet Blackman took his first career snaps in the opener against Alabama. He must develop, and thrusting him into the lineup is not the method Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher prefers.
The coaching staff has ample time to tailor the offense between now and Florida State’s visit to Death Valley on Nov. 11.
But the interim includes dates with Miami (Fla.), North Carolina State and Louisville. By the time Nov. 11 arrives, Florida State-Clemson might not be the de facto ACC Atlantic Division championship game it has been for the last eight seasons.
The league will not award the trophy now. Francois’ absence will not help Clemson get past Louisville, Virginia Tech and N.C. State. It will not weaken Florida State’s defense. But it does elevate Clemson as the front-runner. It slightly widens the road for the Tigers to drive to their third consecutive ACC title.
Florida State was not going to waltz leisurely out of Clemson with a win, even with Francois. Prognosticators expected Watson’s departure to the NFL to destabilize Clemson’s offense and usher the Tigers to a back seat.
Clemson must prove that it reloads, not rebuilds, even after losing a luminary. New starter Kelly Bryant is positioned to sustain Clemson’s recent success. However, he had two seasons as an apprentice and an entire fall camp of first-team reps to prepare for this undertaking. Blackman has a week. Francois’ setback is heartbreaking. For a young man who anticipated a prosperous season. For a team and fan base who hoped for a valiant run toward a championship. For all college football fans who appreciate a fierce competitor.
He will be missed, but Florida State cannot pity itself for too long. The Seminoles’ rivals certainly won’t.
Clemson should find no pleasure in Florida State’s pain, but the Tigers can find a benefit in it. They can offer sympathy, but they are not required to offer mercy.