No.5 Florida State Seminoles (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) vs. No. 3 Clemson Tigers (6-0 SU, 3-2-1 ATS)
College Football Week 8
Date and Time: Saturday October 19th, 2013. 8:00PM Eastern
Where: Memorial Stadium Clemson, S.C.
TV: ABC
by Jay, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: FSU -3/Clem +3
Over/Under Total: OFF
The Game of the Year in terms of the ACC will take place this Saturday
night when a pair of unbeaten teams meet in Death Valley as the no. 5 Florida
State Seminoles head into hostile territory against the no. 3 Clemson
Tigers. Not only will this colossal showdown largely determine
the winner of the ACC Atlantic Division but it also holds potential National
Championship size implications as well. It is safe to say both teams have
had this game circled on their calendars but only one team’s championship
run will extend past this Saturday.
The Tigers started the season with a huge win at home against Georgia which vaulted them into the National Championship discussion. Clemson’s dynamic fast paced offense has not slowed down either racking up 40.8 points per game (17th in FBS). However this will be Clemson’s first true test since that opening Georgia victory considering the majority of the ACC schedule has been a cake walk. The Tigers were a bit sluggish in last week’s 24-14 victory over Boston College but rest assured there will not be any snoozing when the Seminoles roll into town.
One of the big reason’s the Tigers offense has strived thus far this season
surrounds the play of quarterback Tahj Boyd. Boyd has posted
Heisman type numbers by completing 67% passing for 1,783 yards with 15 touchdowns
and just 2 picks. Boyd was criticized a bit last year for being inconsistent
but he has been rock solid so far in 2013. Additionally, Clemson has another
guy on the outside with All-America type talent in wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
Watkins has tremendous speed and homerun capability with each touch of the
football. Watkins has caught 36 passes for 582 yards with 4 touchdowns through
the first 6 games. Watkins was a key contributor in the win over Georgia
and Clemson will need a guy to step up again this Saturday.
While Clemson’s offense receives all the credit, the Tigers’ defense has
been just as impressive as the offense. Clemson leads the nation averaging
4.00 sacks per game and has yielded just 16.2 points (10th in FBS) per game.
This Saturday the nation will get to see if those numbers are a product
of weak competition or if the Clemson defense is for real. Rest assured
the Tigers defense will be tested by a talented Florida State offense led
by freshman sensation QB Jameis Winston.
Winston has without much debate been the most impressive true freshman in college football. Winston has completed a remarkable 73% passing for 1,441 yards with 17 touchdowns and just 2 picks. However the numbers, while impressive, do not represent just how well the young kid has played. He has a superb knowledge of the game and does not get rattled when under pressure. Therefore when an offense that averages 53 points per game does not make any mistakes, then it’s no wonder why they are so tough to beat. In fact the quarterback play of both teams is the biggest reason both Florida State and Clemson have been undefeated thus far. Still the main question is which quarterback will impress the most in the biggest game of the year?
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: This is a tough pick as it should be a hard fought game by both teams. I believe that Florida State is the better team slightly on both sides of the ball but playing on the road in a hostile environment is scary. Add to the fact that Clemson is 5-1 ATS in their only 6 games as underdogs in the last 3 years and it is even scarier. This game isn’t worthy of anything more than a lunch money bet. If forced to make a pick on the side, I’d roll with Clemson. Also, if the number isn’t too high, consider a play on the over once the total is released as this has a high scoring shootout type game written all over it. Good luck!
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