As we all know, this is a huge week for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers as they face No.4 Florida State in one of the most anticipated games of the Week 4 slate.
There are varying opinions on how this game will turn out on Saturday, but what I’ve found most interesting is what Vegas sees. According to the betting lines, the Seminoles are less than field goal favorites against the Tigers, much closer than some would expect.
Clemson being the underdog at home is not a common thing, but the respect is still there. There are some, like Bill Bender of Sporting News, who believe the Tigers are going to upset the Seminoles.
Clemson has limited opposing quarterbacks to a 52.1% completion percentage, so Travis will have to be at his best with his receivers. On the other side, Cade Klubnik has a 38.2% completion percentage under pressure. Can the Tigers keep him clean against the Seminoles’ pass rush? This could be one of those patented Clemson upsets complete with an emotional Dabo Swinney speech afterward.
The score Bender predicts is Clemson taking down FSU 31-24, which would be an excellent outcome for a team that needs a big win. The question is, what will it take?
On offense, the Tigers will need to do what Bender is hinting at: protect Cade Klubnik. If the offensive line gives him time to throw, then Clemson will be in a good position, as both the run and pass games will benefit from it.
On defense, the Tigers have the talent to win the battle against Florida State’s high-powered offense. The key will be to balance ways to generate pressure while ensuring they don’t let Jordan Travis beat them with his feet by either establishing themselves on the edge or keeping a quarterback spy on him throughout the game.
This matchup can go many ways, but there is a clear route to a Clemson win.