PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Travis Etienne was held to lowest rushing total of the season last week against N.C. State, managing only 39 yards. But he still impacted the game in a big way, rushing for three touchdowns for a school-record third consecutive game. He’ll be counted on to establish Clemson’s ground game against Florida State, which sizes up as the most formidable run defense the Tigers have faced to date. The Seminoles rank sixth nationally by allowing only 100.4 yards per game.
–SLB/NB Isaiah Simmons is coming off a career-high 11 tackles, eight of which were solo, in a win against N.C. State. He also was credited with a quarterback hurry and appears to be emerging as a dependable staple of the Clemson defense. “We’ve seen that consistently from him — nice open-field tackles,” Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “You don’t see many guys one-on-one make plays like that.”
–DT Christian Wilkins had seven tackles last season against Florida State and was a key player in limiting Seminoles running back Cam Akers to only 40 yards rushing. Wilkins should loom large in this showdown once again. Expected to a be an early pick in the NFL Draft last spring, Wilkins instead eschewed the draft to return for a final season with the Tigers. By all accounts, he is savoring every second of his last hurrah. “He just loves the whole college experience,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s trying to finish strong and that’s what he’s doing — he’s been great, disruptive, consistent and a leader.”
–WR Tee Higgins is a tough cover. At 6-foot-4, he’s able to high point the ball over smaller defensive backs and also has the speed and lengthy stride to provide plenty of separation. Higgins, who is coming off an eight-catch, 119-yard day against N.C. State, is the team’s leading receiver in terms of catches and yardage and also shares the team lead in touchdown catches with four.
SERIES HISTORY: Florida State leads the series 20-11, but Clemson has won each of the last three meetings.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “This is a very prideful group. There are a lot of things they would love to do as a group, but it would be very special because I don’t think it’s something any ACC has ever done.” — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on the prospect of the Tigers’ senior class posting a fourth straight victory against Florida State.
