FSU football: Top 5 keys to Noles defeating Clemson Tigers

By Kelvin Hunt | Oct 28, 2021

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 09: Jordan Travis #13 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts as he waits for a replay decision on a touchdown call during the second half of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 09, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Win Field Position Battle

I wrote about the importance of winning the field position game for the Noles earlier this week.

This facet needs to happen early in the game, and preferably the Noles will win the coin toss and defer while getting an early win against the Clemson offense.

Poor field position was one of the major reasons the Pittsburgh offense struggled in their first five possessions last week.

It’s tough to drive the field against great defenses but backed close to your end zone limits offenses with coaches more cautious of not creating an easy scoring opportunity for the opposing team.

We saw this facet early in the Notre Dame game for the FSU offense. Their first possession began inside the 20-yard line, and they promptly went three-and-out.

Special teams will have to improve for FSU football, and Alex Mastromanno could prove an X-factor in the punting game.

We’ll likely see him more than usual in this game, and he’s averaging 44 yards per punt. I believe Clemson will make some plays on offense, but I believe they will continue to be inconsistent.

The farther they have to drive, the higher the probability they’ll fail to execute and punt the ball back to FSU.

Home/FSU Football