First Look: Florida State

Well, this probably wasn't what you expected. 

A game that many thought would be a top 10 showdown with ACC Title implications on the line has been turned upside down. Since losing quarterback Deondre Francois in the opener, Florida State has not looked good, to put it kindly.

This matchup is reminiscent of Florida State's early years in the ACC where they would come in as a top-five team, and Clemson was mediocre.

This year, the tables have turned, and now the Tigers have a chance to pour it on the Seminoles for once.

Can the Tigers do it?

Let's look at the numbers. 

Clemson Sports Talk

Clemson vs Florida State - 3:30 November 11th - ESPN

Common Opponents:

On the ground:

Frankly, Clemson blows Florida State away here, as they will in every offensive category. The Tigers are averaging 220.2 rushing yards per game, led by Kelly Bryant's 548 yards and nine touchdowns.

Florida State averages just 143.7 rushing yards per game, although freshman running back Cam Akers has found his stride a bit in the past few games. He rushed for 199 yards and two scores last weekend against Syracuse and has 696 yards and three scores for the season.

Unfortunately, second-leading rusher Jacques Patrick injured his knee, and no one else has stepped up to help Akers. Even though Patrick was thought to be out for an extended period, he is hopeful to get some carries against Clemson this weekend. Fisher called Patrick, "Good to go," during his press conference yesterday.

Another issue for FSU's running game has been the sacks that they've given up. Sack yardage has severely hurt the Seminoles' rushing numbers as they give up just over three sacks per game.

Through the air:

The Tigers are an incredibly balanced team. They want to rush the football and establish their dominance in the trenches, but to do that there needs to be an ability to keep the defense honest.

Clemson passes for 222.7 yards a game, slightly more than they average on the ground.

Florida State, meanwhile, is balanced in their own way; they're equally bad through the air as on the ground. The Seminoles are passing for 192.8 yards per game, and freshman James Blackman has had a lot of trouble hooking up with his wideouts. He has passed for just 1,285 yards with eight touchdowns offset by seven interceptions. 

The blocking up front has not helped by any means. Watch the blow Blackman has to endure at the 2:04 mark on a five-man rush. Florida State has five blockers for five rushers, and yet one Syracuse player comes in completely untouched on a blown assignment. 

Sights like these have been all too common for the 'Noles this season.

Special Teams:

This is a category where Florida State has a bit of an edge. Ricky Aguayo has been as steady as they come this season, connecting on 14-17 field goals and 14-15 extra points.

Clemson, meanwhile, has well-documented struggles in the kicking game since losing Greg Huegel to an ACL tear.

Florida State kicks touchbacks on over 70% of their kickoffs, while Clemson is managing touchbacks a paltry 31% of the time.

Clemson does hold an edge in punting as they average 42.5 yards per punt to Florida State's 41.5. Both teams are similar regarding kick and punt coverage, and neither has allowed a special teams touchdown this season. 

Biggest Strength:

For Florida State, it has to be their secondary. Having a playmaker like Derwin James at safety allows them to do a lot of different things and show a lot of different looks.

He's a swiss army knife, capable of moving all around the field and doing all sorts of things, from playing the run and blitzing to baiting quarterbacks.

National Rankings:

Points Scored Per Game: 35th Clemson - 120th Florida State

Total Yards Per Game: 34th Clemson - 114th Florida State

Passing Yards Per Game: 69th Clemson - 93rd Florida State

Rushing Yards Per Game: 25th Clemson - 91st Florida State

Third Down Conversion %: 24th Clemson - 119th Florida State

Points Allowed Per Game: 8th Clemson - 46th Florida State

Total Defense: 13th Clemson - 36th Florida State

Sacks: 2nd Clemson - 94th Florida State

Tackles For Loss: 5th Clemson - 80th Florida State

Turnovers: 60th Clemson - 121st Florida State

Bold = Better Ranking