#4 Florida State vs. Clemson Preview

As the college football season heats up, one rivalry stands out this weekend: the mighty #4 Florida State Seminoles taking on the resilient Clemson Tigers. This clash is more than just a game; it's a battle that historically sets the tone for ACC championship contention. Since 2005, the victor of this rivalry has often paved their way towards the ACC title.

A Decade of Dominance Though the Seminoles sit comfortably in the top 5, it's Clemson that has had the recent edge in this rivalry. The Tigers have clinched seven consecutive wins against Florida State, including a narrow 34-28 victory last year in Tallahassee. However, despite this impressive streak, the Seminoles enter as 2-point favorites, showcasing the respect they’ve garnered this season.

Spotlight Players Florida State's offensive prowess has been noteworthy. The Seminoles, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, have displayed an uncanny ability to put points on the board, scoring 30 or more in nine straight matches. This record stands as the longest in the ACC and the second-longest nationally. With Mike Norvell's system in place, Travis' expertise, and talents like wide receiver Keon Coleman, Florida State seems poised for a title run. On the other side, Clemson's rocky start to the season saw them lose 28-7 to Duke and struggle early against Charleston Southern. Yet, the Tigers have since rallied back, outscoring their adversaries 100-17 in recent games. This Saturday holds special significance for Clemson; marking 56 years of their iconic "rubbing the rock" pre-game ritual and offering Coach Dabo Swinney a chance to record his 100th career conference win.

The Prediction While many experts have weighed in, this encounter remains unpredictable. Florida State, with their explosive playmakers, seems to hold the edge, especially with talents like Coleman, who could be the x-factor in a game decided by a few pivotal plays. The recent success of Clemson’s offense, led by Cade Klubnik, is commendable, but Jordan Travis and the Seminoles inspire more confidence at present. We're leaning towards a Florida State victory, covering the -2 spread, with a final score of 31-21 in favor of the Seminoles.

Prediction: 31-21 FSU

Bet to Take: FSU - 2