Editor’s Roundtable: FSU vs. Clemson

Sep 6, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Sean Maguire (10) warms up before the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Kelley: Correct me if I’m wrong, but I assume you are picking Florida State to win this weekend. So, a better question might be, does Florida State cover the line in this one (FSU is currently a 20-point favorite)?

PN: It’s always a grey area when it comes to asking college players about point spreads. Personally, I would never take FSU as 20-point favorites. And I’m actually inclined to take Clemson in an upset this weekend– and that was before Winston got docked a half. I think Florida State is going to lose at some point this year and I have a feeling that Clemson — after being flat out embarrassed by FSU last year — will be chomping at the bit to end the nation’s longest winning streak. It will be a close one, no matter whom you pick.

DV: I agree with Patrik that the ‘Noles could very well drop one this year. And this Clemson matchup is particularly intriguing because of how early the game is being played in the season. But lately I’ve been moving in the opposite direction. I think that all the questions asked of the Seminoles early on are serving to motivate and galvanize the team.

Not to mention, FSU still runs Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. It worked last year against Clemson. Pruitt went to UGA, and it worked there against Clemson this year. The Tigers simply haven’t proven they can adapt, so I’m more inclined to think the margin could be right around that 20-point spread and could possibly be persuaded to take Florida State and give the points.