TigerNet Talk: Clemson Is Coming

by TigerNet Staff - Thu Sep 20 09:33:07 GMT-04:00 2012

They don't get much bigger than this. Sure it's only week four of a long college football season, but the winner of this weekend's match up will have a leg up towards a trip to Charlotte. Obviously winning this game doesn't solidify anything, but losing it means you have to count on someone else for some help. And in this league, do you really want to rely on someone else to help you in the conference race?

This game will come down to the two strengths of both programs going head to head. Clemson's offense can move the ball with the best of them, while Florida State's defense is a stingy as the day is long. These two groups will attack each other and try to exploit their opponents biggest weaknesses.

However, there are two things Florida State hasn't seen this year, the talent Clemson puts on the field and the pace of the offense. I heard an analyst for ESPN say, "Clemson was like Oregon, but not as fast." I timed Clemson this weekend, from tackle to snap the average for most plays was around 18 seconds. That's a killer pace and one that is on par with Oregon. I don't know if the analyst has seen the Tigers this year, but we are not to shabby ourselves.

On defense, the Tigers must also confine E.J. Manuel to the pocket and make him complete passes down the field. Manuel has the ability to be one of the best duel threat quarterbacks in America and it doesn't hurt that he is surrounded by wide receivers that can make big time catches. To be fair, Manuel has had some great wins in his career, but for every great moment there have been a slew of unforced errors. If Florida State wins this weekend it will come down to Manuel's play more than the Seminole defense.

On the flip side, Clemson's defense hasn't looked great in the past two games against lesser foes. I don't think it's a lack of talent, but that doesn't mean much right now. We all witnessed Ball State's gashing runs and Furman's sustained drives. We'll know a lot more about this teams heart and desire on the defensive side of the ball late Saturday night.

The Tigers are easily the best defense that Florida State has seen this year and to judge the Seminole offense based off their previous competition isn't fair. Clemson's defense has looked vanilla, and I think they have held their cards close. Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
View Full Profile has seen this Seminole offense the past two seasons and that could be a big benefit coming into Saturday's contest.

In the end, this has a chance to be one for the ages in the Atlantic Coast Conference. There is no doubt in my mind that the top talent in this league will be on display. I guess as a fan, you have to decide if you think we have caught up with the former juggernaut in this league. In my mind, we have.

I know Clemson hasn't made a lot of great memories in Tallahassee, but before last season the same could be said for Blacksburg. I don't doubt this Florida State team can be a great team, but as the game draws near, I still feel like Clemson is the team to beat in this division. And if I may steal a phrase from Stephone AnthonyStephone Anthony
So. Linebacker
#12 6-3, 235
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile to sum up my feelings for Seminole Nation, "Clemson is Coming."

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