FSU football: Q&A with Clemson experts at Rubbing The Rock 2023

Chop Chat: How confident are Clemson fans going into the FSU game? Did FSU’s performance against Boston College changed your perception of the Noles? Which version of FSU would you expect Saturday? The team that beat LSU down in the second half or the team that struggled with Boston College?

Rubbing The Rock: Clemson fans are confident that if the Tigers avoid the mistakes, they can play with the Florida State that beat LSU. I think the BC game did probably give the Clemson coaching staff some film to study, but conventional wisdom says FSU was looking ahead during the Red Bandana Game. Clemson has played in that game multiple times and the Eagles show up every time. I expect a version much closer to the LSU game but I also tend to put weight on home field advantage in most games. The game against LSU was much closer to a home game than a true neutral site game, much the same as New Orleans being a de facto home site for LSU last season.

Chop Chat: Do you anticipate a close game? Do you think it’s possible one team could blow the other out? What’s your prediction for the game?

Rubbing The Rock: When a team’s biggest flaw is consistency, it is really hard to know what to expect. I don’t think this will be a blowout either way, but I could see this being a close game that separates with an impactful play in the second half. Given the likelihood the Tiger offense will make a costly mistake over the course of a sixty minute game, I’ll say FSU wins 27-20.

Chop Chat: We appreciate John taking the time to provide some insight into a massive ACC matchup Saturday afternoon. Give them a follow via their social media account here.