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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Explosive Plays On Offense

I wrote Wednesday explaining how FSU’s offense has more explosiveness than efficiency. Most of those explosive plays have come in the running game with Jashaun Corbin, Treshaun Ward, and Jordan Travis.

That running game has opened some opportunities in the passing game, but the biggest question is can the offense make that happen against Clemson’s defense?

Clemson has allowed 19 running plays of 10 or more yards, eight of 20 or more, and two of 30 or more. However, they have been more vulnerable to explosive passing plays.

Related Story. FSU's Offense Will Be 3rd Best Clemson's Defense Will Face. light

They have allowed 59 passing plays of 10 or more yards, 17 of 20 or more, and seven of 30 or more. FSU’s bread and butter is the run game, and we’ve seen teams like Syracuse and Pittsburgh run the ball successfully against Clemson.

Will the running backs find success with long runs like they have several times this year? The good news is they don’t have to because Jordan Travis will be a factor in broken passing plays.

The run game has to be good enough to create shot plays, once Clemson begins to focus on the run, and FSU has to connect when they are there.

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