Can Clemson squeak out a home win against Florida State this week? 

by Jones DesChamps

Simply put, yes. Clemson has won the last 7 against the Seminoles, and the Tigers could keep that streak alive. Although Florida State certainly has a high powered offense and a keen special teams unit, their defense is subpar. The media has shined light on Jordan Travis, Keon Coleman, and Johnny Wilson, but no one will discuss the defensive problems with the road team this week. 

This fraudulent defense ranks at 81st in opposing yards per game and 84th in opposing yards per play. Yes, the Clemson offense is up in the air, but it doesn’t take a phenomenal offense to dice up that type of defense. However they seem sloppy, this young Tiger offense ranks inside of the top 30 in yards per rush and the same in 3rd down conversions. Clemson not only has a chance this week, but may be able to overwhelm this FSU defense. 

This is not the only reason, though. Clemson is hosting Florida State in Death Valley to which they haven’t lost to FSU at home since 2013. That, of course, was led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jameis Winston. Clemson still holds 11 straight 10 plus win seasons and seemingly never loses at home, losing less than 5 home games since 2015. With their backs against the wall, I believe the Tigers have a fighting chance to take down the Seminoles this week in dramatic fashion to enter their name back into the playoff hunt.