FSU Football 2016 Preseason Preview: Game 8 vs. Clemson
By Jason Parker
Here is a look at how the 2016 season will play out for FSU football with our game preview and prediction.
As we get closer and closer to the 2016 season kicking off in the world of college football, FSU football is preparing for their spot as one of the teams that will compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is over. The Seminoles will have their work cut out for them, with eight games against teams that went to bowl games in 2015 (including six of their first eight opponents) as well as one team that made a run in the FCS playoffs last season.
While it starts and ends with SEC opponents in the Sunshine State (two of the nine games being played in the state of Florida this season for FSU football), there are plenty of challenges in between and potential road blocks that could keep the ‘Noles from winning the fourth national title in program history.
How will the ‘Noles fare this season when they take the field for the 12 games currently on their schedule? Is there a team that will come out on top and keep FSU football from being perfect in a season of such hope? Here’s our look at how the Seminoles will do in the regular season in 2016.
Game Eight – vs. Clemson (October 29th)
Series Record: Florida State leads 20-9
The last seven seasons, the winner of the annual game between the Seminoles and the Tigers has gone on to win the ACC’s Atlantic Division, with the last five winners going on to win the conference title game and twice in the last three years playing for a national title (with FSU winning in 2013 and Clemson losing in 2015). Needless to say, this has become the most important game on the ACC schedule and might by a game of the year in college football.
For the Tigers, it all starts with the man under center. Likely the Heisman Trophy favorite entering the season, Deshaun Watson looked like a man amongst boys last season in leading Clemson to their first title game since 1981. Watson may be the most effective game manager and doesn’t get rattled under pressure. It will help having Wayne Gallman in the backfield and getting one of his top targets, Mike Williams, back at wide receiver after missing most of 2015.
The defense saw most of their stars from last year get big paychecks to enter the NFL, but as long as Ben Boulware is still at the linebacker position, there is still reason to fear this defense.
As for the Seminoles, last season’s loss to the Tigers meant the first time since 2011 they wouldn’t play for the ACC crown…another reason why people wonder if this has become the best rivalry in the ACC. Dalvin Cook is going to need the offensive line to play maybe their best game of the season, while whoever is starting at quarterback (Deondre Francois or Sean Maguire) will have to methodically use the clock and have long drives to keep Watson off the field.
The Seminoles defense will find themselves challenged like at no other point before and maybe the rest of the season (as this game is effectively for a playoff spot). DeMarcus Walker, Jacob Pugh, Derwin James and friends aren’t going to be able to fully STOP Watson from getting his yards, but it will be all about not putting the offense in a position of playing with a major deficit.
Key Factor
After winning last year’s battle between the best teams in the conference, Clemson now has the confidence that had been missing them in seasons before that they are on par with the new FSU dynasty era. Last season, Clemson didn’t find themselves playing from behind all that much before the Orange Bowl and National Title Game. FSU needs to take back that confidence early on.
Prediction
Despite some experts who say both teams can make it into the field, the winner of this game is likely assured of a Playoff spot, while the loser will be the best 11-1 team this season who won’t even win their own division. With both teams coming in undefeated, FSU football takes back the division and maybe the conference in another game that will be a nail bitter. Florida State 24 Clemson 20