National Analyst Isn’t Sold Regarding FSU Dethroning Clemson in ACC

"The problem is that you’ve got to be ready to beat Clemson because Clemson runs the conference."

The 2023 season is closing in fast, and experts, fans, aficionados, and alike are eagerly waiting to kick off. The ball flies through the air on August 26, signaling what will be a historic season as the college football world shifts and shakes in an ever-changing landscape.

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Two names that have been brought up nationally are the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers, a pair of programs that have proved their prominence over the years and will take center stage in Death Valley on September 23.

“Am I buying the Florida State hype? That’s the question because there’s a lot of hype out there about Florida State,” Fox Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt said on the Joel Klatt Show. “And listen, I get it, and they’re likely going to win a lot of games this season. They’ve got a talented roster. They did really well in the transfer portal. They’ve recruited well, and in an ACC that isn’t particularly strong top to bottom, are they ready? Yeah, they’re ready."

Florida State hasn't won a game against the Tigers since 2014 with Heisman quarterback Jameis Winston at the helm. So, it isn't unreasonable to question the hype surrounding the Seminoles, who checked in a notch above Clemson in both the coaches and AP preseason polls at No. 8. 

“The problem is that you’ve got to be ready to beat Clemson because Clemson runs the conference," Klatt said. "Have they done enough to overtake Clemson? I’m not sure. They didn’t last year when they had them at home. Why should we be so quick to just say, ‘Hey, Florida State, I love Florida State.’"

According to Klatt, FSU will start the season 2-2 with losses to both CU and No. 5 LSU, and he believes the three programs are in completely different ballparks regarding talent and skill. 

“I can like them. They’re in my top 10,” Klatt said. “But I can accurately say they aren’t to the level of even two of their first four opponents, one of them being a conference opponent in Clemson, that game at Clemson."

The Tigers will be breaking in new offensive coordinator Garret Riley, who came over from TCU in the offseason, and will be starting a new quarterback. Sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik only started one of the 10 games he played in last year, so there could be some kinks to smooth out early on in the season. They also have a dangerous running back in Will Shipley, who rushed for over 100 yards in their 34-28 win over FSU in 2022.

FSU is bringing back Heisman candidate Jordan Travis alongside future first-round NFL Draft defensive end Jared Verse. The team will also field 85% of its production from a year ago. The 'Noles are set to have a top 10 returning player at almost every offensive skill position, thanks to their efforts in the NCAA transfer portal.

“I think the Seminoles are going to be a really good team. I’ve got them in the top 10, so is not about me ‘hating on Florida State.’ This is me accurately looking at the LSU matchup, which does not favor Florida State, and the Clemson matchup, which does not favor Florida State, and I can accurately say Florida State is going to be 2-2 in their first four games," Klatt said. "Now they may go on to win 10 games, but it’s not going to be a team that really competes for an ACC title."

FSU plays Clemson on the road in Death Valley, which checks one box off for the Tigers if you are predicting a game by the "coach, quarterback, venue" model. But can we really say that Dabo/Riley are leaps and bounds ahead of Norvell/Atkins in terms of playcalling?

Time will tell as both teams will be fielding talented players up and down the depth chart. There is a good chance you'll see the Seminoles and Tigers face off again in the ACC Championship Game, which will have bragging rights on the line and potential College Football Playoff implications. 

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