The Noles, fresh off their home loss to #1 Oklahoma, face one of their toughest tests of the season. They travel to the always hostile confines of Death Valley in Clemson, S.C. It is their first ACC road game and Clemson is bolstered not only by a ravenous crowd hungry for victory, but by an upset win over ranked Auburn last week.
To complicate matters for the Noles, starting QB Manuel has not practiced due to a sore shoulder. He'll likely sit the bench while back-up Clint Trickett gets to start. That wouldn't be so bad if it were a home game against NC State, but this is Clemson. They call it Death Valley for a reason. If Trickett doesn't show nerves of steel, he's likely to get his cage rattled by the Tiger defense. They are tough, especially at home.
FSU knows how tough it is to win there all to well. Bobby Bowden lost more than one game to his eldest son, Tommy, this decade. And while the Bowdens may be gone from active coaching, Jimbo Fisher has his hands full with a surging Clemson team. They do not fear FSU the way they did in the years just after the famous puntrooskie. They know FSU is vulnerable, especially coming off a loss that resulted in costly injuries (FSU's wide receiver corps is depleted, as well).
As Seminoles.com points out in their game preview, a lackluster running game won't help the freshman QB or the offensive line. If the team remains one dimensional, that Tiger D will just pin their ears and come after him. Trickett is skinny as a rail and I'd hate to see him get hurt by repetitive hits and takedowns.
The game is being broadcast by ESPN at 3:30 tomorrow and I have a front row seat reserved in my condo living room. It's the best luxury suite available! GO NOLES!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment