The FSU Seminoles and Clemson Tigers are meeting for a crucial game on Saturday, but not the way it should be. Both programs are struggling, and the fan bases are wondering if either head coach is capable of winning at an acceptable level.
The Seminoles (3-4, 1-3 ACC) are coming off a bye and will have an advantage of playing in Doak Campbell Stadium, something that has caused them to be favored by nearly a touchdown. Despite being the better team on paper, FSU has struggled to win these games under Norvell, and the Tigers are a talented opponent that can not be taken lightly.
Clemson (4-3, 2-2) is 1-1 on the road this season and looking to bounce back after losing to the Virginia Tech Cavaliers last week. The Tigers have done a great job in Tallahassee,
winning the past four meetings in Doak Campbell.
FSU will have a great shot to snap that streak on Saturday night, but here is why it will be tough for them to do so.
FSU will lose the turnover battle
Clemson has one of the better defenses in the ACC, and they have the best cornerback duo in the conference in Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II. They are excellent at generating turnovers and will be able to pick off FSU quarterback Ashton Daniels, who is turnover-prone already.
FSU's new-look rushing attack will struggle
FSU has been a run-first team this season, but they are going to be without their top two running backs in Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. With them out, the Seminoles will be turning to Quintrevion Wisner and freshman Amari Thomas, who will not be as efficient as Kromah and Singleton against an excellent Clemson defense.
Clemson's offense will break out
Clemson does not have a good offense, but they will have a chance to get going on Saturday when they play a struggling FSU defense. The Tigers will be able to unlock something on offense, taking advantage of FSU's inability to stop the run or pass.
Mike Norvell is terrible against Clemson
While FSU and Clemson are rivals, the series hasn't been very competitive lately, especially under Norvell. The Seminoles are on a two-game losing streak against the Tigers, but their struggles go back much longer. Clemson has won nine of the past 10 meetings, with Norvell going 1-4 against Dabo Swinney since coming to Tallahassee.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Why FSU could struggle with the Clemson Tigers
