On a bye week, Florida State looks to refocus their offensive scheme as they prepare to battle a Clemson team that is not the Clemson of old.
The Florida State Seminoles (3-4) are coming off a tough 43-35 two overtime defeat at the hands of arch-rival Miami (6-0).
It was not for the lack of trying. The Seminoles went toe-to-toe with the Hurricanes in their best performance of the season, even in a loss.
Now their focus is squarely on Clemson.
Gone are the days when Clemson reeled off 12 consecutive seasons of 10 or more wins, behind the steady quarterback play of Tahj Boyd, Deshaun Watson, and Trevor Lawrence.
The Tigers produced one double-digit win season with Cade Klubnik behind center in 2024.
Now Clemson is 4-2 this season after posting a sub-par 7-6 season in 2025.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was forced to trot out an inexperienced, young quarterback this season, and it has shown.
Christopher Vizzina and Tait Reynolds have combined for barely 1,000 yards passing, only two TD passes, and five interceptions through six games.
This year’s Clemson defense is middle of the pack in the ACC, at best. This unit is not even close to those dominant Clemson defensive units under former defensive coordinator Brent Venables.
So far in 2026, the Tigers pass defense is ranked fourth in the ACC and have allowed 189 yards per game through the air.
However, Clemson has not intercepted a pass since picking off two passes against Cal on Sept. 25. They had zero interceptions against both Miami and FCS-member Charleston Southern.
After passing for four touchdowns against Miami, Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels found a rhythm throwing the football.
He could be successful again the inconsistent secondary of the Tigers.
Receiver Duce Robinson had his best game of the season against Miami as well, with five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard score.
Florida State coach Mike Norvell must scheme more pass plays that utilize Robinson and Micahi Danzy.
Turn the page in the playbook and draw up something that is not on game film.
Anything to force the Clemson defense back on their heels.
Florida State is now 10-21 under Norvell since the beginning of the 2024 season. Further, the Seminoles have lost 12 consecutive true road games.
The Seminoles have five games left. Clemson is a winnable game at home.
Unfortunately, the fans and the media now have that 1000-yard stare when it comes to Florida State football.