It has been a tumultuous week for Gideon Davidson. After getting pulled from last week's game in the second half, the Clemson star running back was called out by Dabo Swinney for not playing the most disciplined football. "It's not what he's coached to do," Swinney said of Davidson on Tuesday. "He's a great young player, and he's still growing. He's our best ... But he's a little feast or famine right now."
This led to Davidson's father Brian sharing his thoughts on social media in two posts. While the first post has since been deleted, the second made reference to a Rubbing the Rock social media graphic of "That was a choice." Well, it was certainly a choice to only give Davidson five carries in the second half of a gotta-have-it game for Clemson... Through seven games, he has been the Clemson offense.
While frustrations may occasionally boil over in the line of great competition, now is not the time for Clemson to be fractured and untied. The Tigers need to be united the rest of the way so they can finally overcome the issues that have plagued them all season. As long as Clemson plays great on defense, outstanding on special teams, and Davidson gets his allotment of touches, it may work out.
Gideon Davidson needs to find that Cal magic to knock of Florida State
With the way Clemson has played so far this season, the Tigers are really only capable of winning one way. For the most part, the defense and special teams have held their own throughout the campaign. However, Clemson's offense has shown an inability to score points in bunches, or even in a hurry. It is because every drive has to be methodical, often resulting in Davidson moving the sticks for the team.
On the season, Davidson has 492 rushing yards on 93 carries for five touchdowns. He also has four catches for nine yards out of the backfield. When he hits his average of about 13.8 touches, Clemson is usually in a position to win. Last week was the lone exception to that rule with his 14 for 62 yards. Frankly, it has been too long since Davidson really took over a game. Week 4 at Cal was the last time.
For Clemson to beat Florida State, it may require a 15-carry game where Davidson approaches, or even eclipses, 100 yards on the ground. Because of how unreliable the passing game has been this season, he may need his second multi-touchdown game of the season to lift Clemson. Basically, can he recreate the road game at Cal? Davidson had 22 carries for 159 yards and two big trips to pay dirt.
While scoring 30 points is still something this Clemson offense has yet to do versus an FBS team, that is what may be required out of the offense to beat Florida State. The Seminoles' biggest issues are on defense and at the helm of the program. FSU will give up points in the secondary, as Mike Norvell's status remains one of the most complicated ones in the college football coaching sphere.
The best way for Clemson to win in Week 9 is for the Tigers to get Davidson the ball early and often.
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