FSU vs. Clemson: Perfect Timing for…the ‘Noles?

Discussing the similarities heading into this year’s game and last year’s FSU vs. Clemson matchup. 

Been There Before…

Think back.

October 19, 2013. It had been a nice run for the ‘Noles. They were undefeated and in the Top Five. This Jameis Winston kid looked like a future star. But the fun was set to end in Death Valley.

The Seminoles had taken care of business in 2013. A nice Labor Day win got Winston off on the right foot. They handled cupcakes Nevada and Bethune-Cookman. But then came a road trip to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where the ‘Noles were more than tested against an unranked, far-less-talented Boston College squad.

Uh oh.

The term “overrated” began bandying about. FSU hasn’t played anyone. Florida State barely beat BC. The Seminoles’ next contest, a home game against No. 25 Maryland, became a sexy upset pick. The ‘Noles have glaring weaknesses. FSU dispatched those thoughts impressively, hanging a 63-0 beat-down on the Terps. The response from the experts who ranked UMD 25th? They were overrated (think about that for a moment).

But week six was going to change everything. Clemson week. This was to be the exposure of the flawed Florida State Seminoles. The stars were aligned for the Tigers. This, after all, was to be the signature moment of Tajh Boyd, the experienced quarterback, the senior who had paid his dues, starting the year with a hard-fought victory over the mighty SEC’s Georgia Bulldogs. Surely the Heisman race would tip in favor of the experienced veteran on his home turf, in front of his raucous home crowd. The game was hyped as nothing short of a midseason coronation of Boyd as the class of the position.

Sure, FSU had hope. It could hope to hang around, maybe steal one late. Really, just competing, staying in the game, would speak worlds of Winston. He was young. He’d have other chances, his own night. But not tonight, not here. No.

Yes.

Florida State, in the face of numerous doubting pundits, pummeled Clemson 51-14, scoring the most points by an opponent in Memorial Stadium history. The rest is history. Championship history.

The More Things Change…

This year’s clash with Clemson comes much earlier. Each team has one real game under its belt. The Tigers lost at UGA, and the ‘Noles beat Oklahoma State at a neutral site in Arlington, Texas. But the narrative remains the same.

FSU hasn’t flashed. They should be winning by more. There’s undeniable truth to certain complaints. The offensive line hasn’t been as dominant as many anticipated, nor has Karlos Williams, who some thought would redefine the running back position. The defense isn’t getting off the field on third downs when it should. In short, The Seminoles just haven’t put it all together yet. And now they’re without their leader in Winston, setting the stage, once more, for an inexperienced QB to start a big game.

And here comes Clemson. Yes, Florida State is a double-digit favorite. But admit it: the feeling is similar. FSU is unproven (especially under center), up against some adversity, and Clemson may well expose it. The ‘Noles just haven’t faced an opponent of this level yet. The kid may not be ready for this stage. Sound familiar?

You just have to wonder if this isn’t exactly what the Seminoles need right now. They can pretty much count on a talent gap to get by mediocre, even decent teams. And perhaps that’s been part of the problem. They’ve yet to face any adversity, any decided challenge going into a game. Yes, the Cowboys put up a tough fight, but that’s in large part a result of the mindset with which the ‘Noles prepared for the contest– Jalen Ramsey himself admitted that Florida State didn’t have a very good week of practice prior to flying to Texas.

It won’t fly against the Tigers. Gap responsibility on the defensive line is a must. Assignments cannot be blown in the secondary, just as throws cannot be forced by Maguire, who must remain upright and unrattled, a charge bestowed upon an FSU offensive line up against an experienced Clemson front. All of these are prerequisites to victory for Florida State this year, just as they were last year, when the ‘Noles answered the bell time after time. They came together, then, to overcome an imposing obstacle in the Clemson Tigers.

What remains to be seen is if the troubling events of the last few days galvanize this year’s roster in the face of an immense challenge once again. The scenario has afforded the ‘Noles a chance to close ranks, rally around each other, and show who they really are as a team.

Just what is that identity? Like last year, we’ll find out against Clemson, under the lights.