FSU Football: Is LSU or Clemson game more important in 2023?

These are probably the two most important games on the 2023 schedule for FSU football. Don’t get me wrong, the rivalry games against Florida and Miami are big for bragging rights and recruiting mostly this season, as I expect the Noles to run over both teams.

Importance Factor:

This game is important because it is the first game of the season, there is no warmup game like last season, and it is against a potential top five LSU team. A win here sets the tone for the season and shows the nation the Noles are for real.

Keys to the Game (Defense):

The Tigers return QB Jayden Daniels, who is a true dual threat like Travis. Daniels had 2,913 yds, 17 TD, three INT, and 885 rush yards, 11 TD on the ground. Slowing Daniels down in the run game and forcing him to throw the ball will be a priority for the front 6 of the Seminole defense. The speed of their linebackers (DeLoach and Bethune) will be big in accomplishing that. The addition of Fentrell Cypress will help contain WR Malik Nabers.

Keys to the Game (Offense):

There are many reports out there that say LSU will have one of the best defenses this season, and with players like Harold Perkins and Mekhi Wingo standing out, I tend to believe those reports. I do see the opportunity for Travis and those amazing playmakers at WR and TE who can expose that LSU secondary, which has a lot of new faces. The key will be to give Jordan Travis time in the pocket.

Projected Outcome:

FSU 27  LSU 24

Importance Factor:

This game is important because it puts FSU at the top of the ACC, and they will control their own destiny. I believe Clemson is in the downfall of their dynasty, and it will be FSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, or NC State who could hand Clemson a loss this season.

Keys to the Game (Defense):

The Tigers have Cade Kubnik at the helm at quarterback, and he will be improved over last season, but the key to winning this game is stopping RB Will Shipley. There may not be a more dynamic RB in the nation than Shipley. None of the Clemson receivers scare me too much, and I think our secondary will hold them in check.

Keys to the Game (Offense):

Clemson lost three solid defensive players to the NFL draft; Myles Murphy, Bryan Breese, and Trenton Simpson. Those are big shoes to fill and that defense will be solid but I think our offense will be productive, with Benson pounding the rock and Travis hitting the WRs over the top.

Projected Outcome:

FSU 34  Clemson 20

Final Thoughts

A win over LSU sets the tone for the rest of the season, and they could make the ACC Championship game with a loss against Clemson in the first game. A loss against LSU, but a win over Clemson puts them in the driver’s seat in the ACC. FSU doesn’t play Clemson until week four and a win over LSU would put expectations even higher and likely impact recruiting. However, the easy answer is to win both games, and everything will take care of itself!