What we learned at FSU-Clemson
Sorry I’m running a little late today. After the Mother of all traffic jams in Clemson last night, your humble scribe did not get back to Atlanta until 4 a.m. But here are some things that are worth noting coming out of Clemson’s 24-18 victory over Florida State.
1. The FSU offense will be a work in progress: Jimbo Fisher, Florida State’s new offensive coordinator, was dumbfounded by what happened in the first half when the Seminoles were held to just 62 total yards and one first down-and that one came on a 22-yard scramble by QB Drew Weatherford on the first play of the game. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had a team respond that way in a first game,” Fisher said. “If I could have fixed it, I would.” Things were better in the second half as Florida State had 196 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
2. The FSU O-line will get better: New offensive line coach Rick Trickett, one of the best in the business, has made the Seminole offensive line leaner and quicker. It didn’t work in the first half, as Clemson’s defensive front manhandled them. But in the second half that conditioning paid off and the Seminoles were able to start opening some creases for running back Antone Smith. “Our guys have a lot to learn but nobody has outworked them,” Trickett said after the game. “We’ll be okay.”
3. Clemson has some serious weapons: Running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller you know. But throw in speedster Jacoby Ford and wide receiver Aaron Kelly and Clemson can attack in a lot of different ways. I know it’s early but Clemson looks like the fastest team in the ACC.
4. When will James Davis throw the ball? Running back James Davis of Atlanta lined up in the shotgun formation on Clemson’s first possession. He ran nine yards. “The quarterback is not in my way and C.J. (Spiller) is in motion so the defense has to respect him,” James Davis said. “There is usually going to be a lane.” James Davis, like all backs, hopes he eventually gets a chance to throw the ball out of that formation, a la Darren McFadden of Arkansas. “Oh, I’m already talking to coach (Bowden) about that,” James Davis said. He had 102 yards rushing on 18 carries.
5. Harper is the man: Clemson’s coaches have to be encouraged with the play of junior quarterback Cullen Harper of Alpharetta (Sequoyah). Harper managed the team, completing 14 of 24 passes for 160 yards and no interceptions. Highly touted freshman Willy Korn did not get on the field. Harper made one really tough throw for an 11-yard touchdown and Aaron Kelly turned a short completion into a 41-yard score. Unlike a year ago, when Clemson had a very inconsistent passing threat, Harper appears good enough to keep opposing defenses honest.
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