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) /

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(Photo by Jeff Gammons/Getty Images) /

Stop Clemson Run Game

The FSU defense has been solid at limiting the run game of opposing offenses. They allow an average of four yards per rush and have allowed over 200 rushing yards three times this season.

However, the Noles have won two of those three games, with a lot of that yardage coming from opposing quarterbacks.

We could see the same from Clemson since their rushing attack consists of two running backs and their quarterback, but one of those running backs will be out for Saturday’s game due to COVID protocols.

I think FSU can limit the running back, and the Clemson quarterback isn’t a threat to break a long touchdown run.

This strategy could help FSU eliminate some of the potential explosive pass plays which have been their weakness.

The more hits their quarterback takes, the more it could affect his accuracy, which is barely above 50 percent for the season.

If they can limit Clemson’s run game and force Clemson into predictable passing downs of 3rd and 7+, Clemson only converts those scenarios around 29 percent of the time.

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