Florida State vs. Clemson game preview, prediction

What to expect as Florida State and Clemson meet in this Week 4 college football game with our updated prediction

This weekend finally brings us a game many had circled starting back in the offseason in the ACC, an epic conference clash live from Death Valley that could have lingering league and national title implications as No. 4 Florida State faces Clemson in college football's Week 4 action on Saturday. 

Rankings: AP | Coaches | ESPN

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Florida State and Clemson square off along with our latest Week 4 game predictions.

Florida State vs. Clemson preview, prediction

Clemson vs. Florida State picks / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Florida State vs. Clemson odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Florida State -2.5 (Track it)
Total: 55.5 points
Moneyline: Clem +155 | FSU -133
FPI pick: Florida State 57.3% to win

What to watch for

USA Today Images

1. Noles' skill threats. Florida State has a ton of targets to throw at downfield, a group led by 6-foot-7 Johnny Wilson and deep-threat transfer Keon Coleman. Wilson, who leads the team with 209 yards, will create serious mismatch problems in coverage. Coleman can turn nothing into something with a single step and a burst of speed. Tight end Jaheim Bell is another piece, with 125 yards and two touchdowns. FSU has 49 plays of 10-plus yards and 19 plays of 20-plus and goes against a Clemson defense that has allowed just 8 plays of 10-plus and only 3 gainers of 20 or more yards.

2. FSU rushing the pass. Clemson's blockers will have to play their best when protecting quarterback Cade Klubnik against a Florida State front seven led by edge rushers Jared Verse and Patrick Payton. The pass rush has been a key strength for the team, generating eight sacks so far this season. But if Klubnik can stay clean in the pocket, he might find lanes against a back seven that allowed over 300 air yards to BC and might be without top safety Akeem Dent.

3. Clemson up front. Despite losing key playmakers to the draft, the Tigers still present a formidable challenge in the front seven and could find an edge against the Seminoles' rushing attack. Mike Norvell teams usually run the ball with success, but this group had just 3.8 yards per carry in the BC game. Florida State is dealing with injuries to two blockers and is reluctant to let quarterback Jordan Travis expose himself in space after an injury scare last week. That means more work for Trey Benson, who has 4 of FSU's 8 rushing scores and is posting 5.0 ypc.

Florida State vs. Clemson prediction

Both of these teams have shown consistent flaws through three games that each side will be able to take advantage of. For the Seminoles, a secondary that could be thrown behind in the right circumstances and a sluggish ground game; and for the Tigers, an offense that is yet to prove that it's turned a corner under play-caller Garrett Riley. 

The difference here could be Florida State's ability to consistently bother Klubnik in the pocket, disrupt his timing with the receivers, and force the offense into mistakes and procedural gaffes. On the other side, the Seminoles have a more proven rotation, are disciplined in the box, and boast weapons who can come up with the more explosive plays on the outside that can make the difference.

College Football HQ predicts...

• Florida State wins 36-27
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over

More: Florida State vs. Clemson score prediction by college football computer

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