Clemson Vs Flordia State

This is a big game early in the season and could (will probably) decide the Atlantic Division.  It's Gameday in Tallahassee and Saturday night primetime on ABC with Brent and Herbie calling the game.

• FSU #4 vs Clemson #10
• last time FSU and CU were ranked in the top ten and played each other was 2000 when they were ranked the same and Clemson left Tallahassee with a 54-7 loss.
• FSU 771 yards of total offense - 521 through the air
• Clemson has won just once since 1992 when FSU entered ACC - 2006 on a performance for the ages by James Davis
•  Clemson has won 6 of the last 9 and last 5 in Death Valley
• Catanzaro FG kicker has 14 consecutive made field goals - tied with Obed Ariri 1980
• Clemson is undefeated with Heather Cox on sidelines and she will be their for ABC/ESPN - 4-0 and was on hand for our defeat of then 3rd ranked FSU in 2003
• FSU has outscored its first 3 opponents 173 - 3
• They have actually played 3 significantly worse teams than Clemson has faced in our first three games
• Scored more than 50 points in first 3 games
• FSU Defense vs Clemson Offense
• CU line has to bite the ankles of the front 4 (actually 7 that rotate) and slow them down
• Clemson has at least 498 yard of offense in 1st 3 games
• Clemson Defense vs FSU Offense
• Have to stop the run
• Pressure on OB Manual
• What I do like is that Clemson is a 14 point dog in early betting
• That's motivation
• It could be that FSU really is that good this year and the odds makers watched our defense
• Sometimes its easier to slay the giant than to be the giant.  In this case, I will take the role of David.  I am sending three stones to Dabo today.  They might need something a little bigger to slow them down - maybe they sould just take Howard's Rock.  

I have mixed feelings on this game.  The obvious reaction to what I have seen thus far is FSU murdering us and possibly breaking the scoreboard because we can't stop them on offense and their defense stops us cold.  Turnovers are the obviously the equalizer and CU can't give them the ball.  We have to win or that battle. A few generous gifts from FSU would be accepted.  If we can't stop the run then, my hope is that we can turn it into a shoot out and have the ball last.  I also have faith in Dabo motivating and getting the players ready for the challenge (see underdog role above).  I am thinking we turn the corner this weekend and never look back and upset #4 FSU on the road in a hostile environment and add a tombstone to the graveyard at Clemson.