The opinions on Dabo Swinney and Clemson have varied through the three weeks of the 2023 college football season. Still, more often than not, the mainstream media hasn’t been too friendly to the Tigers.
Even so, things have shifted in Week 4 as more outlets than expected expect an upset this Saturday. While Clemson may be unranked in the AP Poll, multiple sources expect an upset against No.4 Florida State in Death Valley.
College Football News was the latest to predict a win for the Tigers, who see Swinney’s team pulling off a close 26-23 win over the Seminoles. Here is some of what writer Pete Fiutak had to say about the matchup.
You know what you’re getting with Clemson, but it all comes down to whether or not it can take advantage of its opportunities. Florida State is better, but give this one to the Clemson defense and running game that will grind out a tough home win in the first of two meetings.
While Fiutak does believe the Seminoles are the better team heading into Saturday, it is what Clemson has to offer at home that keeps him invested in the Tigers. If Clemson takes advantage of their run game and the defense comes to play, there is no reason they can’t win this game.
Will Shipley and Phil Mafah will be heavily involved in this game script, as the Tigers’ rushing attack is the strongest point of the offense. The key is taking advantage of the opportunities they’re given, which this team has struggled with.
Expectations are for a close game, but one Clemson can win.