What to Watch For: FSU vs. Clemson
By Patrik Nohe
Sep 6, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) prior to the snap during the first half against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
3.) Clemson’s Two-Headed QB
Clemson is planning on playing two quarterbacks just as they have done all year. Cole Stoudt is the sturdy senior who Clemson can rely on not to make mistakes. Deshaun Watson is the playmaker.
Or as Mario Edwards puts it: “One is more of a decision-maker, he’s not going to throw into tight coverage, he’s not going to take a sack. He’s going to be smart and throw the ball away. Another one will force it, he’s not scared to take chances. So you’ve just got to know who’s back there and what to expect.”
Stoudt has been steady, if somewhat unremarkable this season. He’s attempted 60 passes, completing 38 for 446 yards, a TD and a pick. Watson, on the other hand, has attempted just 13 passes but has 10 completions for 213 yards and four touchdowns. That has a lot of Clemson reporters wondering when Dabo Swinney will start playing with an eye towards the future and just turn the offense over to the freshman.
That, however, would not behoove Clemson this weekend. Especially going against a top-notch secondary like Florida State boasts. Look for Stoudt to take the majority of the snaps — especially when deep inside Clemson territory or when FSU has the momentum — while Watson gets a few packaged looks that will attempt to exploit FSU’s over-aggressiveness. Make no mistake about it, Watson can play. And he can make big plays. But he’s also liable to force passes, take risks and put Clemson into some tough spots if he can’t check his own aggressiveness.
Regardless, the name of the game for the Florida State defense will be discipline. Take away the run, force Clemson to throw and let the guys in the secondary do their thing. It will be when things break down that Watson will have his best chances, so the Seminoles need to stay disciplined and avoid letting that happen.