The Florida State Seminoles travel to Memorial Stadium Saturday to face the undefeated Clemson Tigers in a crucial ACC matchup. The Seminoles sit a game behind the Tigers and look to even up the standings in the Atlantic division with a win over Clemson. The Tigers were just released as the number one team in the College Football Playoff Poll and will look to keep themselves there with a big win over a ranked Florida State team.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney will look to have his team ready for this crucial game Saturday. Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson leads the Clemson offense and will try to keep their undefeated streak rolling against the Seminoles. The sophomore quarterback presents a dual threat to opposing defenses, as he has passed over 1,900 yards and rushed for 386 yards this season. Watson has scored a combined 24 touchdowns this year and will look to find the endzone Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers will get the ball in running back Wayne Gallman's hands, as he is the team's leading rusher. The sophomore running back is coming off a season-high 172 yard rushing game against North Carolina State last week, and Swinney will make sure their explosive running back gets touches, as he is averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
The Clemson offense will look to get the ball out quickly, as Florida State defensive end Demarcus Walker can create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. The 6-foot-3, 281-pound defensive end has 5.5 sacks this season and 8.5 tackles for loss. While Walker is a playmaker for the Seminoles defense, running back Dalvin Cook sets the tone for their offense.
The sophomore running back out of Miami is having a huge season for the Seminoles and is averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Head coach Jimbo Fisher will look to get the ball to Cook in good positions, as he can break out on any play. Cook missed the Seminoles' last game against Syracuse with an ankle injury, but he is expected to return this weekend.
Florida State's quarterback position is uncertain, as Everett Golson is listed as the starter, but Sean Maguire just came off a huge game against Syracuse. Golson was held out last week due to a concussion, and Fisher said it's possible the team could play both of them this week. The Seminoles will likely go with the hot hand Saturday, and it seems like Golson will get the start. If Golson struggles at all in the first quarter, don't be surprised to see Maguire inserted into the game early, but both quarterbacks face a tough challenge against Clemson's defense.
There will be a reported six NFL teams sending scouts to the game, as the field will be covered with talent. This is a huge game for both programs, as a loss for either of them will likely end their chances at the College Football Playoff. The games starts at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time, and you can watch the live broadcast here. To listen to the Tigers' radio broadcast, click here, and for the Seminoles' radio broadcast, go here.
