Back in the summer, the matchup between Clemson and Florida State was expected to have ACC Championship implications.
Now, it’s basically an afterthought as the Seminoles have not bounced back from last season’s struggles, and the Tigers, after entering the season ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll, are in the midst of what looks to be the worst season of the Dabo Swinney era.
Clemson has not beaten a Power-4 team at home in more than a full calendar year and Florida State has just one win over an ACC opponent in the past 400 days. That win came last week, with the Seminoles steamrolling Wake Forest.
5 Things to Watch For
1. Avoiding History: If the Tigers lose on Saturday night, it will mark the program’s seventh straight home loss to a Power Conference foe. That would tie for the longest such losing streak in Clemson football history. That is the kind of history you don’t want to make.
The last time Clemson beat a Power team at home? October 19 of 2024, when the Tigers knocked off Virginia 48-31.
2. More Gideon Davidson, Please: It took eight games before we finally saw it, but Gideon Davidson finally got a real opportunity in last week’s loss to Duke. The freshman back had 95 all-purpose yards, proving he is ready to contribute.
To be clear, this is not a plea for Adam Randall to be benched. The converted wideout has been more than serviceable when he’s had some room to run. He is averaging more than five yards per carry.
However, this offense needs both backs. Davidson just brings something different to the table. He has a different skillset.
3. Best 5: Clemson’s offensive line might have had its best performance of the season last week against Duke. With Tristan Leigh back, freshman Brayden Jacobs was moved inside to left guard, a move that paid off big.
“We ain’t taking him out of there, he is one of the best five, no doubt about it,” Swinney said on Tuesday.
The Tigers have dealt with more injuries up front than anyone would have liked, but the starting five we saw against the Blue Devils definitely looks like the best five at this point.
4. Containing Castellanos: One thing Clemson absolutely can not do on Saturday is let FSU QB Tommy Castellanos beat them with his legs. The senior has rushed for 407 yards this season, which is second most on the team, and the Seminoles’ offense is at its most dangerous when Castellanos is making plays in the running game.
Somehow, some way, the Tigers have to keep Castellanos contained in the pocket and make him beat them with his arm. While that does open the backend of the defense to being exposed once again, it’s still the best path to a win.
5. Minimizing Busts: Watching the implosion of the Clemson secondary against Duke wasn’t easy. It was one bust after another as the Blue Devils had seven passing plays that went for 15 yards or more. Three went more than 40 yards. And we’re talking about some of the most basic things.
While there is certainly no magic fix to what ails this defense, the back seven absolutely must be better when it comes to playing their assignments. While the safeties have drawn most of the criticism, we also saw issues with the linebackers and corners.
If the goal is to make Castellanos beat you with his arm, the backend has to be much better than it was last weekend. Otherwise, it might be another long day in the Valley.
Photo by Bart Boatwright