FIGHTING FOR JOBS: CLEMSON AT FLORIDA STATE GAME PREVIEW

After a disappointing loss to Virginia Tech, the Clemson Tigers travel to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles. Clemson enters 4-3, and Dabo Swinney’s team needs a response after another game in which its offense struggled to produce.

Florida State enters 3-4 following a bye week and a heartbreaking double-overtime loss at Miami. Mike Norvell’s team has an opportunity to get back to .500, but the Seminoles will need to beat a Clemson program that has won nine of the last 10 meetings.

Clemson will rely on freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds to give its offense more production through the air.

Reynolds has thrown just one touchdown pass this season, and the Tigers enter averaging 333 total yards per game.

Florida State should look to challenge him with pressure and force quick decisions before receivers can get open downfield.

Clemson needs to give Reynolds manageable throws early, but the Tigers also have to threaten beyond the underneath routes to keep the Seminoles from crowding the line.

The Tigers have an opportunity against a Florida State defense that has allowed 435 yards per game.

Establishing the run would help Clemson avoid obvious passing situations and keep Reynolds from having to carry the offense on third down.

The Tigers have allowed 21 sacks this season, so protecting him will matter as much as finding open receivers.

Florida State cannot let a struggling offense settle into a rhythm through missed tackles and easy completions. Making Clemson sustain drives would give the Seminoles more chances to force a mistake.

Florida State’s offense will be led by Ashton Daniels, who has thrown 12 touchdown passes while adding 354 rushing yards and 11 scores. His legs give the Seminoles another way to move the ball, especially when Clemson’s pressure forces him out of the pocket.

Duce Robinson gives Daniels a target outside, but Florida State needs to avoid becoming dependent on difficult throws downfield.

Getting Daniels comfortable early with shorter completions could help the Seminoles create opportunities for bigger plays later.

The Seminoles will be without leading rusher Ousmane Kromah, who suffered a season-ending lower-leg injury against Miami. His absence puts more responsibility on Daniels against a Clemson defense that has recorded 20 sacks and allows 21.3 points per game.

The Tigers need to pressure Daniels without leaving running lanes open, particularly near the goal line, where his mobility becomes another scoring threat. Florida State should look to stay balanced and avoid letting Clemson attack the quarterback on every passing down.

Sustained drives would also keep its defense from having to return to the field after short possessions.

Although Clemson’s defense should keep the Tigers competitive, I expect Florida State to do enough offensively to win at home.

Kromah’s absence makes this a more difficult matchup for the Seminoles, but Daniels gives them more ways to create plays when a drive breaks down. Clemson should have opportunities against Florida State’s defense, but I do not trust its passing game to consistently turn those chances into touchdowns. I got Florida State winning 24-20, getting back to .500 and handing Clemson its second straight loss.