FSU football vs. Clemson Tigers preview and prediction
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU football looks to get back on the winning side after suffering a gut-wrenching loss against NC State last week. The Noles host Clemson as +3.5 betting underdogs and 51 over/under points total.
Those odds imply a 27-24 win for the Clemson Tigers. Ironically, that’s what the odds implied last week and FSU should have beaten NC State by at least two touchdowns had they not gifted the Wolkpack multiple dropped passes and turnovers.
The Noles held a lead with fewer than four minutes to go in last year’s game before losing late, so this team will have some confidence going into Saturday night’s primetime matchup.
Clemson Offense
Clemson’s offense isn’t close to elite, but it’s improved over last year’s unit. The Tigers average 5.95 yards per play and average 4.61 yards per rush. Running back Will Shipley is one of the better players in the league, and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is a big part of their running game. The key will be stopping the run and forcing Uiagalelei to beat you with his arm. Clemson converts third downs 50 percent of the time. Clemson has better wide receivers than NC State, led by Beaux Collins and Joseph Ngata.
Clemson Defense
The NC State defense is the best part of their team, but I’m not sure they are as good as most people think. FSU has played as good or better than Clemson against three common opponents. However, they are getting some talented players back that have been out some this year. One thing they don’t have is defensive coordinator Brent Venables. The Clemson defense allows third-down conversions 34 percent of the time.