Is the LSU or Clemson game more important in 2023?

These are probably the two most important games on the 2023 schedule for FSU football. Don’t get me wrong, rivalry games against Florida and Miami are big for bragging rights and recruiting mostly this season as I expect the Noles to beat both teams.

Balance

LSU Tigers Football

State of Florida Seminoles Football

Importance factor:

This game is important because it is the first game of the season, there is no warm-up game like last season, and it is against a possible top five LSU team. A win sets the tone for the season and shows that the Noles are for real.

Keys to the game (defense):

The Tigers return QB Jayden Daniels, who is a true dual threat like Travis. Daniels had 2,913 yards, 17 TDs, three INTs and 885 rushing yards, 11 TDs on the ground. Slowing down Daniels in the run game and forcing him to throw the ball is a priority for the Seminole defense in the sixth. The speed of their linebackers (DeLoach and Bethune) is great in achieving that. The addition of Fentrell Cypress will help contain WR Malik Nabers.

Keys to the Game (Offense):

There are many reports that LSU has one of the best defenses this season, and with players like Harold Perkins and Mekhi Wingo standing out, I tend to believe those reports. I see an opportunity for Travis and those incredible playmakers at WR and TE to expose an LSU secondary that has a lot of new faces. The key is to give Jordan Travis time in the pocket.

Estimated result:

FSU 27 LSU 24

Balance

State of Florida Seminoles Football

Clemson Tigers Football

Importance factor:

This game is important because it puts FSU at the top of the ACC and they control their own destiny. I think Clemson is on the cusp of their dynasty collapsing and FSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame or NC State could give Clemson a loss this season.

Keys to the game (defense):

The Tigers have Cade Kubnik at quarterback and will be improved from last season, but the key to winning this game will be stopping RB Will Shipley. There may not be a more dynamic RB in the nation than Shipley. None of the Clemson receivers scare me too much and I think our secondary will hold them in check.

Keys to the Game (Offense):

Clemson lost three solid defensive players to the NFL draft; Myles Murphy, Bryan Breese and Trenton Simpson. These are big shoes to fill and the defense will be solid, but I think our offense will be productive with Benson hitting the rock and Travis hitting over the WRs.

Estimated result:

FSU 34 Clemson 20

Final thoughts

A win over LSU sets the tone for the rest of the season, and they can clinch the ACC Championship game with a loss against Clemson in the first game. A loss to LSU, but a win over Clemson puts them in the driver’s seat in the ACC. FSU doesn’t play Clemson until four weeks later, and a win over LSU would raise expectations even more and likely impact recruiting. However, the easy answer is to win both games and everything will take care of itself!

• Published on 27/06/2023 at 13:47
• Last updated on June 27, 2023 at 1:47 p.m