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FSU Football: DeMarcus Walker Is Key For A Seminoles Victory

By Brad Johnson

Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Demarcus Walker (44) battles at the line against North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive tackle Will Richardson (66) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Demarcus Walker (44) battles at the line against North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive tackle Will Richardson (66) during the second half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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If FSU football is going to come out with a win over Clemson tonight, it’s going to be in a big way due to the play of DeMarcus Walker.

The Florida State Seminoles’ season can go in two totally different directions this weekend. If they lose to the #3 Clemson Tigers, their season is essentially over, as their hopes of playing in a national playoff game will cease.

Clemson will take full control of the ACC and have a clear path to the playoffs. On the other hand, if Florida State can pull off the upset in front of their home crowd, they will catapult themselves right back into the national playoff conversation.

For Florida State to win, many things have to go their way. Their offense has to be able to put points on the board and take it to Clemson’s defense, one of the best in the country. The 13 points Florida State put up in last year’s 23-13 loss simply will not be enough. Deshaun Watson is having a Heisman season once again and is ready to add another signature win to his resume.

One player who will be important in containing Watson and the rest of Clemson offensive attack is senior defensive end DeMarcus Walker. Walker has been one of the best pass rushers in the country, as his 8.5 sacks ranks second in the entire country, just trailing Ejuan Price’s nine sacks. Walker’s decision to return for his senior year is paying off, as his draft stock is quickly rising and he very well may be playing himself into the first round.

Walker is a key cog in one of the best defensive lines in the country and will obviously be an important factor if Florida State doesn’t want their season to end this weekend. The Tigers offensive line has been highly successful protecting Watson, as the quarterback has only been sacked five times in seven games this season.

If the Seminoles they don’t get to the quarterback, they simply do not win. In their two losses this season, they have totaled only three sacks, one against Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and two against North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky.

Walker will be going up against Clemson left tackle Mitch Hyatt for most of the game, who is known for his strong hands and excellent footwork. Walker, along with Josh Sweat and Derrick Nnadi will have to force Watson to make a mistake, which is rare. Walker will also be a key player in stopping the Tigers’ rushing attack, as they have ran for 596 yards in their last three games.

It’s not often you get a second and third chance in college football, but that is exactly the opportunity that is presented with this weekend. The Seminoles got smoked in their biggest game of the season back in week three in Louisville and lost to North Carolina, but due to the weekly upsets this season, the Noles are still very much alive.

The opportunity of playing in a national playoff game on New Year’s Eve is at stake here, as a victory would get Florida State right back in the conversation. Look for DeMarcus Walker and the rest of the Seminoles to hopefully play their best game of the season in front of a pumped up Doak Campbell crowd.

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