Clemson-Florida State Preview Capsule

Posted October 27, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

No. 3 Clemson (7-0, 4-0 ACC) at No. 12 Florida State (5-2, 2-2), 8 p.m. (ABC)

Line: Clemson by 4ˆ½.

Series Record: Florida State leads 20-9.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Clemson has won 21 straight regular-season games, but is 3-12 in games at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Tigers are in prime position for a spot in the College Football Playoff but are looking to avoid a late loss. The Seminoles find themselves in a rare position - a home underdog - and are looking to play spoiler after seeing their playoff hopes likely dashed with an Oct. 1 loss to North Carolina.

KEY MATCHUP

Clemson WR Mike Williams vs. Florida State CB Tarvarus McFadden. Williams, a junior, has had two games over 140 yards, including a 12-reception, 146-yard effort in the Oct. 15 overtime win over North Carolina State. McFadden, a sophomore, has five interceptions, which is tied for the national lead. The five picks, including two the past two games, are the most by a Seminoles' player since Patrick Robinson had six in 2007.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clemson: QB Deshaun Watson. The junior has thrown for multiple touchdowns all but one game this season and has only one interception in his past 83 attempts.

Florida State: RB Dalvin Cook. The junior is second in the ACC in yards rushing (900) and is averaging 227.5 total yards in his last four games with six touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

This will be Florida State's 800th all-time game. It has a 539-243-17 record. ... FSU's Jimbo Fisher is 15-9 against Top-25 opponents. Clemson's Dabo Swinney is 16-17 against ranked opponents but has won six of the past seven. ... Clemson is 14-3 under Swinney when it has had seven or more days (excluding bowl games and season openers) to prepare for an opponent. Both teams had open dates last week. ... Florida State's Deondre Francois leads freshmen quarterbacks nationally in passing yards per game (268.0). ... Clemson's defense has allowed just two plays of 40 yards or more, which is the least in the nation.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org

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