This weekend Florida State opens conference play at Clemson's Death Valley. Both teams are coming off very different emotional weekends. Last week, Clemson defeated #15 Auburn at Auburn while Florida State fell to #1 Oklahoma at home. How will each team respond?
Florida State enters Saturday's game as a two-point underdog to Clemson. That is somewhat shocking as Florida State is ranked higher and their only loss was a close contest with the #1 team in the nation. However, you can make the argument that the Seminoles haven't beaten a solid team yet this season. Whatever the pre-game expectations, one thing is for sure—Florida State needs a solid, conference win to get them back on track this season
When talking about this Saturday's game with Clemson, Florida State needs to execute a few certain areas to ensure a victory. Below I list the three keys to the Seminoles walking away with their third win on the season.
1. Get the run game going.
One of the biggest disappointments of this season has been the production of the run game so far. In the first three games, the Noles are averaging just 96.3 rushing yards per game, ranking them 100th in the NCAA for per-game average.
As we've stated before, a lot of the lack of production from the running backs can be attributed to the offensive line. The line is not opening holes for the backs to slip through.
A goal for this game must be to get the running game going. The Clemson defense is giving up 224.67 rushing yards per game, ranking 110th nationally. Clemson's defensive line has not been solid against the run this season. This match-up should give the offensive line some leverage to open holes for the backs to get through.
Early in the game, the line must help get the running game going. Chris Thompson, Ty Jones, Jermaine Thomas, and Devonta Freeman are very talented and will get the job done as long as the line keeps their run blocks strong.
2. Pressure Boyd.
Clemson is running their offense behind sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd. So far on the year Boyd is 68-for-101 (67.3% completion), throwing for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns with only one interception. Boyd has really surprised people this year with how well he's played the first three games. Last week against Auburn was possibly the best game of his career as he threw for 386 yards and 4 TDs while rushing for 30 yards.
As we stated in our preview of Clemson, Clemson's offensive line has had some issues protecting Boyd evidenced by the fact Boyd has been sacked 7 times on the year. Clemson's James Bostic wrote about the line:
We have injury issues at guard—David Smith sat out last week after having his shoulder scoped, his backup Mason Cloy was hurt against Auburn which forced redshirt freshman Brandon Thomas into the lineup. We know games are won and lost up front and I would keep close attention early on to see how Clemson fares against the FSU defensive front.
That said, the Florida State defensive line shouldn't have a problem getting to Boyd. If the DL can pressure Boyd and make him scramble or be forced into hurried throws, they can eliminate the threat of WRs Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins.
3. Win field position battle.
With the offense struggling to move the ball down the field, field position is going to be vital. Florida State is lucky enough to have a kicker who can score from 50 yards out, but the Noles have to get far enough down the field to give Hopkins a shot.
Special teams is going to be paramount this weekend. Even if the Florida State line doesn't get the run game going and even if back-up QB Clint Trickett can't move the ball downfield, special teams can get the offense in position to score points.
Clemson's special teams is ranked 17th nationally, allowing 17.69 yards per kickoff return and 5.6 yards per punt return. The Clemson special teams has been impressive so far this season, but Florida State hopes to challenge that on Saturday.
Another aspect of winning the field position battle is forcing defensive turnovers. The Florida State defense needs to force fumbles and interceptions to either score on defense or give the offense better field position to work with. So far this year, Florida State has forced 5 fumbles and caught 5 interceptions. If the Noles can force turnovers, they'll be in good position to at least get three points from Dustin Hopkins.
