FSU football: 3 reasons Noles beat Clemson, two reasons they lose
By Kelvin Hunt
Stout Against Traditional Run Game/Pass Rush
One of the things Clemson likes to hang its hat on the past couple of years is Will Shipley and the running game.
Shipley had a monster game against FSU last year, with 20 carries for 121 rushing yards, and six receptions for 48 yards.
The absence of Fabien Lovett became more apparent in the second half as the defensive line depth was exposed.
The good news for the FSU defense? They have been stout against the traditional rush attacks through three games while facing two outstanding mobile QBs.
Opposing running backs have not cracked the 90-yard mark through three games, and it’ll likely take that from Will Shipley if Clemson wants to win this game.
They’ll also likely need to run Cade Klubnik to help Shipley find success the same way they usually run their QBs in big games.
Klubnik will likely run it anywhere from 8-12 times. He didn’t find much success against Duke in the season opener, which is the only legit defense they have gone up against. I like FSU’s run defense in this one, as it was usually stout last year despite having less depth in the trenches.
I also don’t think Clemson’s offensive line is as good as LSU’s, and FSU’s defensive front won that war. IF FSU can put Cade Klubnik in third and long, I think their chances more times than not, despite the debacle last week against Boston College. Klubnik doesn’t perform well under pressure.