Clemson Football: It would benefit the Tigers for FSU to beat Alabama
Perhaps the most anticipated match up of the 2017 college football season, occurs in week 1 when Florida State takes on Alabama. The Clemson football program should root for their ACC brethren against the Tide.
Clemson should pull for the ‘Noles to beat Alabama, but, not for the reason that you’re thinking. Yes, Florida State defeating the Tide would further the narrative that the ACC is the best conference in the country, but, that is besides the point.
The Tigers should root for the Seminoles, because of the impact that it will have down the road in their week 11 showdown.
Possible scenarios
In the first, less-favorable scenario, Florida State loses to Alabama. This would put the Seminoles’ College Football Playoff hopes in jeopardy right from the start. Consequently, Jimbo Fisher and his staff will have the ‘Noles laser focused throughout the rest of the season. Florida State would be fighting for their College Football Playoff lives each and every week.
Should Clemson come into their late season matchup with the ‘Noles undefeated, they are at a disadvantage. The pressure would be on the Tigers’ to win. An early season loss is acceptable in the eyes of the Playoff selection committee, i.e. Ohio State in 2014, Oklahoma in 2015. As such, Florida State could put themselves back in the Playoff discussion with a win over Clemson, while the Tigers would not have enough games to repair their reputation in the event that they lose.
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In the second, more ideal scenario, Florida State defeats the Crimson Tide. This would inevitably give them confidence. While that confidence is needed to win a championship, it is also a precursor to complacency. Should Florida State make it all the way to week 11 undefeated, Clemson would have the upper hand in that contest.
The ‘Noles would enter arguably the most intimidating home atmosphere in all of college football as public enemy No. 1. Not only will the crowd be rowdy, but, the Tigers’ have been nearly impossible to defeat at home under Dabo Swinney. If both teams come into the game undefeated, this would be a classic, winner take all, faceoff.
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The mental approach to the game cannot be over-emphasized. A head coaches biggest challenge from week-to-week is getting his team properly motivated to play. Dabo Swinney is a master motivator and what better motivation than being able to ruin your undefeated rival’s Championship hopes.