By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON – On Saturday night when the No. 10 Clemson Tigers take on the fourth-ranked Florida State Seminoles, it will be a homecoming of sorts for Clemson safety Rashard Hall. The St. Augustine, Florida native actually grew up rooting for the Seminoles.

“I love playing these guys. I grew up a Florida State fan, to be honest. It is always great to play these guys, more fun than anything,” he said.

After not receiving an offer from FSU, and choosing to attend Clemson, Hall’s allegiances have changed of course. However, Hall admits early in his career, he tended to play with an extra chip on his shoulder versus his home-state team.

“It is just business now, earlier in my career it was a sore spot for me.”

This business mentality is an approach the Clemson coaches have instilled into Hall and his teammates. The matchup this weekend with Florida State is the most important game only because it is the next game on the schedule for the Tigers.

“The next game is the biggest game of the season, because it is the next game,” Hall said. “That mentality is how I take every game personally.”

However, Hall does understand this game carries heavy implications in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.

“It is a big game for a lot of reasons,” he said.

Heading into Saturday night, Hall says the defense understands the hype the national media has placed on the game. A night game, in front of a sell out crowd, and ESPN College Gameday in town gives Hall reason to believe it will be the biggest game in his four years in Clemson.

“The atmosphere is going to be electric, it is a huge game, and one of the biggest I have played in during my last four years here,” Hall said.

Stopping FSU quarterback EJ Manuel will be a tough test for the Tigers. In is only action against Clemson; Manuel led the Seminoles to a victory in 2010. Hall has been very impressed by Manuel during film study.

“He is a great quarterback, a great leader from what I have seen on film. He runs his offense well,” the Tigers safety said.

For Clemson to have success the Tigers will have to force Manuel from his comfort zone, the play of the secondary, including Hall will go a long way in stopping EJ Manuel.

The Tigers were undefeated at home last season, as well as through two games this season. However, the Tigers have struggled in recent history on the road, especially in Tallahassee, Fla. Clemson has one win at Doak Campbell Stadium since FSU came into the ACC, and that came in 2006 when former running back James Davis scored with seconds left in the game.

“Just like any away game, great teams have to win on the road,” Hall said. “To be a great team, that is what we will have to do.”

A victory this weekend will place Clemson in contention to be one of those great teams in 2012.