Swinney and Tigers Preparing for Most Difficult Challenge of the Season

CLEMSON—There is no rest for the second-ranked Clemson Tigers, as they play host to the Florida State Seminoles for an Atlantic Division grudge match Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC).

Even though the Tigers and the Seminoles have been on different trajectories the last five seasons, with the Tigers owning a four-game winning streak over the Seminoles—including a 49-point win at Florida State last season—there is little doubt for Swinney that the Seminoles are by far the most talented team the Tigers have faced in the 2019 season.

"Florida State is the most talented team we have played. All you have to do is check the recruiting class rankings if you believe in that stuff," head coach Dabo Swinney said. "They've beaten us in recruiting in five of the last six years. They are easily the most talented team we have faced to this point. On paper, roster, they're the most talented. They're getting better, too.

"They should be 5-0. I'm sure they are disappointed over what happened against Boise State. They were up at around 30-13 late and blew it. Same thing against Virginia. They had a chance to win that game on the road. They are truly two or three plays from being 5-0."

Defensively, the Tigers will have to face what has been their nemesis through the first five games–the running game.

Led by Cam Akers, the Seminoles have began to find a new identity under first-year offensive coordinator Kendall Briles—who believes in running the ball, spreading teams out and pushing the tempo.

"They have started to create an identity. They're really fast," Swinney said. "They're physical. They're running the ball better as far as what they're trying to do. Cam Akers ... everything goes through him. He is a very committed runner. We have to match his physicality and mindset because this guy is a committed dude. He just keeps coming and they just keep giving him the ball. They are RPO-oriented, tempo, double-moves and they are better up front. They struggled there last year. They are much improved. They've had to play two quarterbacks, but both can win for them. Both are experienced. Both will run the offense."

For the Tigers offensively, Swinney believes that one stat will ultimately tell the tale of who emerges from Death Valley with a win–turnovers.

"Defensively, they are huge up front," Swinney said. "They're all big, big guys who are hard to move. They've done a nice job. They have created a lot of turnovers. What has hurt them is they have had a lot of penalties. They've also overcome a lot of that because they are +5 in turnover margin. We're minus 1, so we have to take care of the ball. And we didn't create a turnover at North Carolina. We win the turnover margin, we will win the game. Simple as that. And vice versa."

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"This is my 17th Clemson - Florida State game. It never gets old," Swinney said. "This is one of those games that has settled the division and has represented the Atlantic. We have 39 more days before the division will be settled, so everyday is important. This is a huge game. We both want the same thing. The winner is in control of their division destiny. This is playoff football. That's what it is every week. We need our fans to show up and continue to give us that incredible environment."

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