Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

Less than 24 hours away from kickoff, and just over 24 hours from DannyFordIsGod.com and ScalpEm.com determine the winner of the big Super Duper Labor Day Bet. That’s right, the winner of the FSU / Clemson game gets to have the loser’s blog in the winner’s colors. So let’s take a look with a preview of tomorrow’s contest.

The Two Minute Summary
If you’d like an in-depth primer, I suggest you check out The Clemson Blog Roundtable. Clemson has a whole ton of question marks heading into Labor Day’s contest, to be frank. The Tigers will start the more experienced Cullen Harper at QB instead of the more talented Willy Korn. They have an offensive line that is porous, and a defense that should play well like they did last year. Special Teams remain the big question mark. The Tiger defense reloaded this season, instead of rebuilding. Take heart.

For the Seminoles it’s been a huge off season of renewed hope with a revamped coaching staff and a new attitude. The long laundry list of injuries was successfully avoided, seemingly thanks to a new strength and condition program, and an open QB battle ended in the same result, Drew Weatherford. The defense looks solid, but there are always the question marks, like the kicking game, the penalties and the boneheaded plays. How does it all shape up? Continue reading…

FSU Offense vs Clemson Defense – The Seminole Offense was able to move the ball against Clemson last season, but suffered from poor clock management. The Noles are improved, and Antone Smith will see the bulk of the carries. The big question is who is going to play Tight End for FSU? Jimbo Fischer didn’t seem overly concerned, he’ll adjust the gameplan to work with what FSU has available. Drew Weatherford has a chance to become the starter that many Seminole fans know he can be, and finally put to rest any questions of a quarterback controversy. The Clemson defense will make a big play or two, and expect them to intercept Weatherford once.

Clemson Offense vs FSU Defense – The FSU Defense should be solid yet again. The Defensive Line is ferocious and the linebackers reloaded. The big question is the secondary. Look for Clemson to throw away from Myron Rolle and Tony Carter, the two best players in the secondary. Cullen Harper is going to feel pressure on passing plays, and look for FSU to crowd the box against the run with Clemson’s questionable offensive line. If Harper can pick on weak parts of the secondary, it could be a long night for the Noles.

Special Teams – FSU is head and tail above Clemson. The Tigers remain in dire straights like last season, so for once, if it comes down to a kick, FSU has the advantage over an opponent.

Prediction?
Look for Drew Weatherford to play like he did in the second half of the Emerald Bowl last year, as Antone Smith’s ground attack opens up the FSU passing game. The Seminole Defense should stifle the Clemson running game, even with the Tigers’ talent backs. Nole fans have seen what good running backs and a bad line accomplishes; nothing. Bobby doesn’t have to worry about saving Tommy’s job this season, and Jeff isn’t calling the plays anymore. Oddly enough, my gut thinks it will be a fairly high scoring game. FSU shocks a lot of people tomorrow night, playing well in Death Valley and winning the game, 31-20.

DannyFordIsGod.com is going to look SWEET in Garnet & Gold.