NCAAF teams
Sharon Katz, ESPN Analytics 10y

Why Clemson can upset FSU

Insider College Football, Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers

Last season, in a matchup billed as the "ACC Game of the Year," No. 5 Florida State went into Death Valley and dominated No. 3 Clemson. The Seminoles outgained the Tigers by more than 200 yards and forced an offense led by four-year starting quarterback Tajh Boyd into four turnovers and five punts.

This time, Florida State is the clear No. 1 team in the nation, and Clemson is still in the process of breaking in new quarterbacks. So why should this year be any different? 

While admittedly a small sample size, the Seminoles' first two games of the season show this is not the same team that won the BCS National Championship last season. Pair the weaknesses with Jameis Winston's absence Saturday, and Clemson may have a better-than-advertised chance to come away from Bobby Bowden Field with a win.

Winston will be sorely missed

Clemson caught a break with Winston's suspension, to say the least. Without Winston, Florida State will turn to redshirt sophomore Sean Maguire, who has just 26 career pass attempts, including 16 completions, in 10 appearances the past two seasons. All of Maguire's attempts came with the Seminoles leading by at least 25 points -- not exactly high-pressure situations. 

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