Jameis Winston – FSU quarterback by Kathy Vitulano is licensed under CC 2.0
Clemson at Florida State Preview
Florida State will be without star quarterback Jameis Winston for the first half of Saturday’s game against Clemson. Winston was suspended Wednesday after it was reported he jumped on a table and shouted a obscene statement. The big question though, is will that suspension faze the Seminoles? Florida State will start sophomore Sean Maguire, who has just thrown just 26 collegiate passes. Maguire went 3 for 5 for 28 yards last week against Citadel. Last year he played nine games and threw for 116 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Seminoles offensive line has five senior starters which should help Maguire relax some.
Jameis Winston was huge for the Seminoles last season against Clemson. Winston threw for 444 yards with three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Clemson let Florida State come into Death Valley and beat them 51-14 last year which is the worst home loss since the series began in 1970. You have to think that the first half suspension of Winston could have a major effect on this game and Clemson will be hungry for the upset.
Clemson was embarrassed in their season opener at Georgia when the Tigers got drummed 45-21. The Tigers have said that they will most likely use a two quarterback system Saturday. If I’m a Clemson fan I want to see a lot of Freshman Deshaun Watson who without a doubt has been the better quarterback this season for the Tigers. Watson has completed 10 of 13 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers play better when Watson is in the game, and if they want to beat FSU they will need to play him. Clemson also has seven returning starters on defense this season including All American defensive end Vic Beasley. The Tigers also return ACC preseason All Americans Stephone Anthony and Grady Jarrett.
Florida State has outscored its two opponents so far 74-43, they played Oklahoma State and Citadel. Clemson is 1-1 and after getting hammered by Georgia, and beating South Carolina State 73-7 two weeks ago. Both teams are coming off a bye week. Florida State has won 10 of the last 11 games against Clemson in Tallahassee.
I know I’ve already made a lot of upset picks this week, but I’m going with another one. I think the suspension of Jameis Winston will be a huge distraction for FSU and I think they will struggle early. Clemson will take advantage with an early lead and even Winston won’t be able to bring them back.
Clemson 37
Florida State 34
