Editor’s Roundtable: FSU vs. Clemson

Sep 6, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney talks to the players during the first half against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Kelley: Based on what you’ve seen from both teams, what do you think would have to happen for Clemson to pull the upset on Saturday?

DV: While Clemson would certainly like to jump out to the type of start the ‘Noles had last year, it’s not necessary. They need to linger. The second half against Okie State saw the lead oscillate between one and two possessions for Florida State, and this makes them play tighter. I think the Seminoles can get frustrated when they haven’t achieved the gap they desire.

The Tigers also have to eliminate the big play for FSU. Kelvin Benjamin. Rashad Greene. Mario Edwards, Jr. On just a few iconic big plays, the ‘Noles got more than they needed last year. Clemson has to keep the Seminoles in range. Let them make mistakes, incur penalties.

And the Clemson QB (whoever is in there) must protect the ball and keep his team on the field, even if it doesn’t always result in points. The Citadel gave up TD drives the first four times FSU had the ball, but still “only” surrendered 37 points. Why? Because the ‘Noles only got eight possessions. That’ll be tougher for Clemson, which wants to speed things up. It does not behoove any team to have to lose balance and be too reliant on the pass, not against the Florida State secondary.

PN: Oh that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. FSU has had a very distraction-filled week with Winston getting suspended and ESPN rolling into town with its full College Gameday complement. If FSU comes out fired up and regains the “shock-the-world” mentality that it carried into last season, then Clemson could very well get blown out again. But, far more likely, if FSU comes out a little flat or plays scared, then this game is Clemson’s for the taking.

The talent levels on both sides are far more comparable than people think. FSU has the benefit of more experience, but both squads are loaded with talented young players looking to show out on a big stage. To me, the biggest pieces will be emotion and momentum. I was one of the few who didn’t begrudge Dabo’s now-infamous 50-50 comment last year. I was at that game, FSU had effectively punched Clemson in the mouth within the first five minutes and the Tigers just never responded and got rolled. But if Clemson had gotten a few things to go its way early, with that crowd, things could have turned out a lot differently than they did.

This weekend, if Clemson can pop a flat-footed FSU team in the mouth right at the beginning, there’s no saying the Tigers couldn’t return the favor.