Paw Predictions: No. 2 Clemson vs. Florida State
No. 2 Clemson will host Florida State on Saturday, and the Tigers are currently a 27 point favorite over the Seminoles. You can see how some of the national media is viewing this game below.
Game preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugpwIvNBdk4
247Sports, 45-28 Clemson, 48-17 Clemson
What they said:
“Hummer: Florida State’s been much better since Alex Hornibrook took over under center. And while I don’t expect the Seminoles to challenge the Tigers, I would be remiss to not take 26 free points during a clash that involves two evenly matched teams – at least from a talent perspective. And that’s what this is. Clemson won’t face a more naturally gifted group until playoff time. FSU’s front, led by Marvin Wilson, is capable of challenging the Tigers’ o-line. This is closer than people expect. … Clemson 45, Florida State 28.
Crawford: This is the worst spot imaginable for Florida State. Willie Taggart's team goes to Clemson after two weeks of the defending national champions getting undervalued nationally. Dabo Swinney loves this spot, a chance to prove his Tigers are still the nation's best against one of the ACC's better teams. If you can get this game under four touchdowns, go ahead and take it. Laying this many points with Clemson this season is scary, yes, but we're about to witness the Tigers' most complete performance of the season this weekend. ... Clemson 48, Florida State 17.”
The Athletic, 45-24 Clemson, 42-7 Clemson
What they said:
Feldman: “Dabo Swinney was fired up this week and I think that’s bad news for the Seminoles, who will feel the brunt of that from Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers. Clemson 45, FSU 24”
Mandel: “Speaking of idle weeks, I see the Tigers coming out of theirs sharper and ticked off after listening to two weeks of criticism (and a drop in the polls) following their escape against North Carolina. And they’re going to take it out against the ‘Noles. That’s still a big, big number, but I expect Clemson to dominate. Clemson 42, Florida State 7”
What they said:
“After an uninspiring start, there’s some optimism bubbling up in Tallahassee following the consecutive wins. The biggest difference over the past two weeks has been the Seminoles’ effort level, and with Clemson on the other sideline, that won’t be a problem this week. But the only thing Louisville and NC State have in common with Clemson is that they are part of the ACC Atlantic. Clemson will get up by multiple scores fairly early, and though Florida State will not be completely blown out, the result will never be in doubt.”
Bleacher Report, 43-16 Clemson
What they said:
“After a miserable start to the campaign, Florida State has turned in a couple of encouraging games. The plan to play both James Blackman and Alex Hornibrook at quarterback is cause for concern, though. Clemson ranks seventh nationally with 5.6 yards allowed per pass and will have a raucous environment. The 'Noles need to find a quarterback and stick with him.”
College Football News, 40-17 Clemson
What they said:
“Can Florida State survive the first half?
Clemson will come out trying to beat North Carolina by more – it’ll try to show that two weeks ago was an aberration.
The Tigers will come up with a few early scoring drives to make it look like a wipeout, but FSU will stay alive with a few scores to keep it closer than it probably should be. Again, this is a Seminole team with a whole lot of talent and a whole lot of big-time athleticism, but it won’t be enough to overcome the issues on the lines.
Clemson will pull away in the second half, but it’s not going to quite look and play like Clemson yet.”
What they said:
“The Tigers are still favored at -120 to cover the spread of -26.5. Roll with it. The defending champs have had a week to regroup from their embarrassing near-defeat at the hands of UNC.”