Keys To Victory


by - Correspondent -

1) Be The Aggressor: Clemson needs to come out and send a message to Florida State early. FSU will be realing from the lost to NC State last week, and Clemson can deliver a big shot to their confidence with a quick start. If the defense can create an early turnover, like two years ago, the Tigers could be on their way to similar results.

2) Punt Protection: Clemson has had issues this season on punt protection, and FSU blocked two punts last week against NC State. The Seminoles were able to stay in the game through special teams play. FSU is going to come hard after Cole Chason, and Chason may have a chance to do some acting and pick up an extra first down for the Tigers.

3) Quarterback Play: There will be questions at quarterback regardless who starts. If Whitehurst starts, everyone will question is he healthy enough to play. Should Proctor get the nod, he will be facing by far his most difficult challenge. This is not a game Clemson can have poor quarterback play and still win.

4) Who plays opposite Tye Hill? Clemson has to find a corner to play opposite Tye Hill. The Tigers will play a lot of nickel on Saturday to help protect the other corner. Duane Coleman may get his first start. The Seminoles are not going to test Hill on Saturday. The irony is Hill is the guy the Seminoles tested on their last trip to Death Valley, and he made them pay. Now Hill is in the opposite role, and it is time for a new star to step up.

5) Play the players not the uniform? This is not the same FSU team Clemson has played in recent years. The Seminoles have a wealth of injuries and are not as well coached. The Noles are still talented, but there is not Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, and Warrick Dunn on the other side of the field. The win two years ago should give the Tigers the confidence they need to pull out the upset.

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