FSU football: Top 5 toughest games on 2024 schedule

Clemson

I flip-flopped between Clemson and Notre Dame but decided to go with Clemson for the toughest game for a few reasons. Clemson's defense was better than Notre Dame's last year, and I expect Clemson's offense to take a sizeable leap in year two of Garrett Riley and Cade Klubnik. The game will be at Doak Campbell Stadium, and that helps the Noles. However, Dabo Swinney will have this game circled after getting dethroned from a top the conference by the Noles last year. He'll also want to avoid losing to former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

Clemson was probably better than its 9-4 record last season and likely won't have some of the bonehead decisions from Klubnik that cost them last year. I think Klubnik has way more upside than Riley Leonard and Clemson, and Riley has produced some great offenses. However, they open the season against Georgia and will play NC State in game three. There's a chance they could be 2-2 going into the FSU game, which makes them even scarier with their backs against the wall.