While a couple early games pose threat for the Clemson Tigers early in the season, it really begins when they take on the Florida State Seminoles in the fourth game of the season. A likely ESPN College GameDay site, we take a look at the high-powered offenses that will duel in late September.
Quarterback
Advantage: FSU
The Seminoles have one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country in Jordan Travis. If it wasn’t for Drake Maye, he would be the talk of the ACC. After scoring 31 touchdowns last year, he has all his weapons back and then some.
Cade Klubnik is still untapped in regards to his full potential so it’s unfair to make a comparison at this stage of his career. He could end up being better, but it’s very early. This one goes to Florida State.
Running back
Advantage: Clemson
Will Shipley is the X-factor on offense for the Tigers. After rushing for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022, it’s hard to put many players above him at the position. That doesn’t mean the Seminoles don’t have talent there.
Trey Benson is the bruising back while Lawrence Toafili is their third down weapon who sees a ton of action in the passing game. If it wasn’t for the Shipley show rushing last year, it would be hard to give the Tigers the edge here.
Wide receiver
Advantage: FSU
Johnny Wilson isn’t the average wide receiver. Standing at 6-foot-5, he’s a hassle for opposing secondaries and now he has Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman by his side. Coleman finished last year with nearly 800 yards and seven touchdowns. Add in Pokey Wilson and they have a strong core.
For the Tigers, Antonio Williams is running the show outside after being the leading receiver in 2022. None of Clemson’s starters eclipsed 700 yards last season, something two Seminole receivers did. The talent is there, they just have to turn it into production in 2023.
Tight end
Advantage: Clemson
Jake Briningstool is the new starter at Clemson, but he worked in tandem with Davis Allen last season. Receiving for 285 yards last year, he’s due to take over a majority of the pass-catching responsibilities.
Florida State has a pair of transfer taking over for Camren McDonald, who led the group in yards last season. South Carolina’s Jaheim Bell and Division-II transfer Kyle Morlock will be the safety valves for Travis, but the edge goes to the Tigers here.
Offensive line
Advantage: Clemson
The Tigers return four starters on the offensive line, including three All-ACC selections. The Seminoles are set to roll out with two transfers up front, so the continuity isn’t there. Clemson’s chemistry on the line is already there and the recognition on top of it gives them the win in the trenches.