FSU–Clemson Game Analysis: Can the Seminoles Protect Their Home Field?
Florida State returns to Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night for an important matchup against Clemson.
The Seminoles enter the game searching for consistency after consecutive losses to Louisville and Miami. FSU showed improvement by forcing Miami into double overtime.
Clemson has also failed to meet expectations, making Saturday’s game important for two programs looking to regain momentum.
Florida State Must Find a Running Game Without Ousmane Kromah
The biggest question for Florida State’s offense is how it will replace Ousmane Kromah.
Kromah suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Miami after establishing himself as FSU’s leading rusher. He finished the season with 609 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries.
Samuel Singleton Jr. will also be unavailable, leaving the Seminoles without two important running backs.
Florida State will likely turn to Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner as its primary option. Amari Thomas and Zay Parks could also receive opportunities.
The Seminoles may need to use screens, outside runs and short passes to create production instead of repeatedly running into the middle of Clemson’s defensive front. If Florida State becomes one-dimensional, the Tigers will be able to focus on pressuring Ashton Daniels.
Ashton Daniels Must Continue Creating Explosive Plays
Daniels gave Florida State a chance against Miami by accounting for all five of the Seminoles’ touchdowns.
He threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. His 75-yard touchdown pass to Duce Robinson forced overtime and showed what the offense can accomplish when Daniels is aggressive.
Florida State needs to involve Robinson, Micahi Danzy and Jayvan Boggs early. Robinson’s size makes him difficult to defend in one-on-one coverage, while Danzy provides the speed to stretch Clemson’s defense.
The Tigers will be without cornerback Corian Gipson, creating an opportunity for FSU to test Clemson’s secondary.
Freshman receiver Devin Carter is also expected to be available after not appearing on Florida State’s injury report. He may have a limited role in his first game, but his return gives the Seminoles another potential playmaker.
FSU Must Take Advantage of Clemson’s Passing Struggles
Clemson has struggled to consistently move the football through the air.
The Tigers have not produced enough explosive passing plays, and their inability to consistently threaten defenses downfield has made it more difficult to sustain drives.
That should allow Florida State to focus on stopping Clemson’s running game. The Seminoles can bring additional defenders closer to the line of scrimmage and force the Tigers to prove that they can win through the air.
FSU cannot become careless in the secondary, especially with Quindarrius Jones unavailable and K.J. Kirkland listed as questionable. However, Clemson’s passing struggles give the Seminoles an opportunity to be more aggressive.
Florida State needs to create pressure, challenge Clemson’s receivers and force the Tigers into third-and-long situations.
Florida State’s Defense Must Eliminate Explosive Plays
Even against a struggling passing attack, Florida State cannot afford communication mistakes or missed tackles.
Explosive plays have hurt the Seminoles throughout the season. Louisville running back Isaac Brown rushed for 235 yards, and Miami produced several important plays during its double-overtime victory.
The first defender to the ball must finish the tackle. Florida State should force Clemson to sustain long drives instead of allowing short gains to become touchdowns.
The expected availability of linebackers Omar Graham Jr., Chris Jones, Mikai Gbayor and Caleb LaVallee should help FSU defend the run and limit plays over the middle.
The Seminoles Must Start Fast
Florida State has struggled to respond when momentum changes.
Against Louisville, FSU built a 14–0 lead before a failed fourth-and-goal attempt changed the direction of the game. Louisville responded with a 97-yard touchdown drive, and the Seminoles never regained control.
FSU cannot allow the same thing to happen Saturday.
Playing at Doak Campbell Stadium should give the Seminoles an early emotional boost. An early touchdown or defensive takeaway could put pressure on a Clemson team that has dealt with its own disappointing season.
A slow start could create tension inside the stadium and make the game much more difficult for Florida State.
Final Analysis
This is a winnable game for Florida State, but the Seminoles’ injuries leave them with a small margin for error.
FSU must establish some form of a running game without Kromah and Singleton, protect Daniels and attack Clemson’s injury-depleted secondary. Defensively, the Seminoles must stop the run and force Clemson’s struggling passing attack to win the game.
Florida State showed fight against Miami, but moral victories are no longer enough. The Seminoles need to turn that effort into a complete performance.
If Daniels protects the football, the offensive line holds up and the defense forces Clemson to rely on its passing game, Florida State has a legitimate chance to win Saturday night.
Prediction: Florida State 38, Clemson 24
Florida State and Clemson are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game will air on ACC Network.