FSU football: 2024 Game-by-game predictions and win shares
By Kelvin Hunt
Vs. Clemson on October 5th
Clemson will visit the Noles on October 5th. It'll be the first true test regarding a team close to the overall talent of FSU, and Dabo Swinney will have motivation on two fronts. He'll want to reclaim the throne as the best team in the ACC, and he'll want to avoid losing against his former quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei. Clemson finished 2023 as the No. 24 team overall via FEI. They had the No. 67 offense and the No. 3 defense. It'll be the second year under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, and starting quarterback Cade Klubnik returns. Clemson lost running back Will Shipley, but Phil Mafah returns with some talented young receivers. I expect the offense to improve in year two, and the Clemson defense should be strong once again.
Aside from a long run by Mafah last season, FSU's run defense limited Clemson's run game. However, Klubnik was solid through the air until FSU became more aggressive after the half. FSU couldn't run the ball against Clemson and depended heavily on Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson through the air. The sack/fumble return for a touchdown by Kalen DeLoach was huge. I think FSU will have more success on the ground, but I'm curious if DJ Uiagalelei and the receivers can do enough through the air without seeing them against anyone yet. It'll be on the FSU offense to win this game. I think the FSU defense will play well enough to win it. FSU will be at home and I want to go with FSU, but they'll probably drop a game somewhere. I'm going to go with Clemson here 24-20 with FSU having a 49 percent chance to win.
Sidenote: Clemson opens their season against Georgia. If they get demolished in that game, that could affect the rest of their season. A physical game like that can impact their depth early too.