By Neil Burnett/ Contributor
Opinion/Prediction
Clemson-Florida State Prognostication With egg on my face, I’m back for the next game, Clemson hosting Florida State. I, like many others, just knew this tiger team would roll the Tarheels. I, like many others, underestimated them. It’s easy for people to underestimate teams that have rough starts. Florida State has fallen on hard times the last few years.
Many say that Willie Taggart is not the answer to the Seminole woes. Last week, as is every other week this season, it was the Cam Akers show. Akers has passed the 100-yard mark in 3 of the 5 Seminole games and it’s obvious the offense rolls through him. James Blackmon will be back at starting quarterback this Saturday after missing the last two games, both of which FSU won against Louisville and NCState. Both teams hit the 280 yard passing mark against the Noles, but neither are exactly powerhouses. NCST actually out gained them but two costly fumbles later, FSU comes away with the win.
Enter a Clemson team that came away with a 1-point victory against a determined UNC team. Clemson is due for a bounce back, and home cooking is just what the doctor ordered. Florida State will come in riding a 2-game winning streak, and like Willie Taggert said this week in his best Ric Flair imitation “To be the man, you got to beat the man!” The problem is, Coach Taggert, Clemson is still the man and they will puff their chest out this week after TWO SOLID WEEKS of everyone and their brother downplaying Clemson as overrated, not playoff worthy, down and out, ALL because of one close game. Trevor Lawrence and the offense will catch fire and feel they have something to prove.
Being #1 in September is nice, but being in the top 4 in the College Playoff Poll is the goal. After 5 games, the Tigers have persevered and extended the winning streak to 20 games, longest in college football to date. This is the game I fully expect to see the offense start to click. The defense has it’s hands full with Cam Akers for sure, while the Noles passing game is explosive at times. Brent Venables will need to be on top of his game. Will the score be 59-10 like last year? No. Will there be guys in the stands reading books in a half empty stadium in the 4th quarter? No. Will Clemson win the game? Yes.
Clemson 41 FSU 17.
