RTR Staff Predictions- Clemson football vs Florida State

At the beginning of the season, Clemson against Florida State looked like the football game of the season in the ACC. However, the Seminoles have vastly underperformed, losing four of their first five games.

Another storyline from the preseason isn't happening, as former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei won't face his former team. He broke his finger against SMU and will be out for a few weeks.

The game doesn't have the same luster it once did but don't count FSU out completely. Its defense has played well despite the problems on offense and giving up 42 points against SMU. And who knows, maybe a change at QB gives the Seminoles the chance they need to start moving the ball efficiently. With that in mind, here are the RTR staff predictions.

RTR Staff Predictions: Clemson football vs. Florida State

Matthew

On one hand, Clemson fans are enjoying Florida State’s fall from the top 10 to 1-4 overall this year. It’s has made the path to an ACC title much easier. However, Florida State’s struggles have turned this week’s meeting between the Tigers and the Seminoles from a marquee contest into a rather uninteresting game.

In what was once thought to be the game of the year in the conference, there appears to be no way Florida State can keep pace with Clemson. The Tigers are firing on all cylinders right now and Florida State is stuck in reverse. Even though this game is in Tallahassee, Clemson will roll.

Clemson 38 – Florida State 13

Austin

On the surface, this game looks like an easy win for the Tigers. As a struggling team that was once predicted to win the ACC, Florida State has been awful. Truly awful. But when you dig deeper, FSU could give Clemson some fits.

Firstly, Clemson hasn't been tested since week one, when Georgia held it to three points in Atlanta, but Florida State's defense is surprisingly sound compared to their counterparts across the line of scrimmage. Sure, they dropped the ball against SMU, but they give up 24.6 points a game, with last week's performance factored in. Secondly, the Seminoles had little going right with DJ Uiagalelei. With a QB that might actually throw the ball down the field, it might be the spark needed to finally utilize the talent on the team.

But does that happen? No. Cade Klubnik has finally found his confidence. It will take a lot more than FSU's defense to take it from him. Instead, I see Klubnik stepping up and passing his first test with flying colors. Also, FSU's running game is anemic, gaining 326 yards through five games. There are 60 rushers in the FBS with higher rushing totals than what Florida State could put together as a team. Clemson wins big in Tallahassee.

Clemson 45 – Florida State 17