Can Clemson defeat Florida State without Deshaun Watson?

The Clemson football program is fresh off of their 2016 National Championship victory, that being said the Tigers cannot ride that wave forever. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have owned the ACC, losing a combined 1 game in conference in that span of time. That one lose came at the hands of Pittsburgh.

Despite Pittsburgh being the only team to defeat the Tigers, Florida State remains Clemson’s

Clemson Tigers Florida State Seminoles Jameis Winston Vegas

Oct 19, 2013; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (left) shakes hands with Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher (right) prior to the game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

biggest competition in the ACC. Clemson vs Florida State has turned into one of the best rivalries in the country. The winner of the Clemson vs Florida State game has made it in each of the three College Football Playoff’s. Even more impressive, the winner of the Clemson vs Florida State game has been to three of the last four National Championship games, winning two of those three.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, Dabo Swinney has only defeated Florida State twice without Deshaun Watson under center. Even with the greatness of Deshaun Watson the Tigers were only able to defeat Florida State by an average of 6.5 points. It makes me wonder if the Tigers can continue to best the Seminoles without Watson.

Recruiting

Clemson’s recruiting is at an all-time high as a program. Dabo Swinney has done an outstanding job of increasing the talent level at Clemson during his tenure. Unfortunately for Clemson, Florida State has a head coach by the name of Jimbo Fisher who can flat out recruit.

Since taking over as head coach in 2010, Fisher has never signed a recruiting class ranked lower than 11th in the country. While the Tigers are certainly recruiting at a much higher level as a program, one could argue that, outside of Nick Saban and Alabama, Jimbo Fisher and Florida State have been the most consistent program on the recruiting trail.

More often than not the most talented team wins and Florida State consistently has one of the most talented rosters in the country.

Next: Instant impact recruits from the 2017 recruiting class

2017

Next fall will be a good look at how the future of this rivalry will fair. Florida State brings back a proven quarterback in Deondre Francois and a talented defense. Clemson’s defense will surely reload once again, however, the Tigers have to figure out who their starter will be at quarterback.

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