FSU football: How Clemson fared against common opponents

Final Thoughts

One common theme between these three games is the FSU defense played better or on par with Clemson’s defense. The Noles gave up fewer points in all three games(BC would have scored more than seven had they made those missed field goals).

FSU dominated Boston College for an entire game. FSU dominated NC State for a longer stretch than Clemson. FSU held Wake Forest to season lows in points and yards per play and should have scored 30+ points in that game.

FSU has had injuries on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, with Fabien Lovett, Jared Verse, and Omarion Cooper missing time or playing at less than 100 percent. Clemson has played without some guys too, and those guys look to play in the FSU game this weekend.
I said it before the season, and I’m still saying it. FSU will go as far as their offense will take them, and that will be no different Saturday night.

Here’s how the two offenses stack up:

• Clemson
  PPG-39.3
  YPP-5.95
  YPC-4.61
  3rd down conversions-50 percent
  Passer Rating-146.82
  Red Zone TD Conversions(32 attempts)-75 percent

• FSU
  PPG-31.3
  YPP-7.02
  YPC-5.57
  3rd down conversions-46.75
  Passer Rating-150.66
  Red Zone TD Conversions(29 attempts)-62 percent

I think you can see why bettors got in on FSU +7 when they could. These two teams match evenly for the most part, but FSU is the more explosive offense. However, Clemson has been more consistent with touchdowns in the red zone.

Clemson also has the better kicker if it comes down to it. FSU is quite capable of putting points up with its passing attack, and Clemson’s secondary has shown some vulnerability. Clemson has very good linebackers, but I’m not sure they are quite on the level with NC State. It should be a great game, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win!