The ACC will play host to the biggest game of the college season so far when Florida State travel to death valley and take on Clemson.  No. 5 versus No. 3.

Both teams have had excellent starts to the season and remain undefeated.  Florida State have averaged 53.6 points per game and slaughtered the only ranked opponent they have faced - fellow ACC members Maryland - 63-0.  Meanwhile,  Clemson defeated No. 5 ranked Georgia on opening night,  and have since averaged 41.4 points per game.

Both quarterbacks have great weapons,  albeit in different forms.  Boyd has Sammy Watkins.  The speedy six-foot-one receiver has 36 receptions on the season including four touchdowns. The explosive Watkins is complemented nicely by Adam Humphries,  the junior receiver has compiled 24 catches which includes a nine-catch performance last week against Boston College.

Florida State,  on the other hand,  use a running-back-by-committee approach to help out their freshman signal caller.  Three running backs have 28 carries or more.  Devonta Freeman is the best of the bunch with a 7.1 yards per carry average and three touchdowns.  Winston isn’t too bad himself.  The young quarterback has thrown his name into Heisman conversations with 17 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions,  add that to his 73.2 completion percentage and you have a star in the making. 

Four different receivers have caught three or more touchdown passes for the Seminoles making it hard for opponents to take away Winston’s favourite target.  Clemson’s defensive end Vic Beasley has nine sacks already this season.  The Tigers’ ability to close the pocket,  get to the quarterback and make him nervous will determine if they can knock Florida State’s offense out of its rhythm.

While both teams boast mightily impressive offenses,  it won’t be offense that wins the game for either side.  A Tiger or Seminole defender will get the chance to make a play and swing the momentum of the game for better or for worse.  Whoever takes that opportunity will put his team in a great position to remain undefeated and one step closer to a national championship game.  As for the loser,  there is no coming back.