Jim Feist's FREE PLAY
SATURDAY, October 31, 2026
CFB
10/31/2026 ( 4 pt / 7 et )
157. Clemson Vs 158. Florida State
Take; 157. Clemson +6 ( 4 pt / 7 et)
Clemson does not need to fix its offense to cover this number, it just needs its defense to keep this a low-scoring, ugly rivalry game. Clemson visits Florida State as a underdog. Clemson is 4-3, Florida State is 3-4, and both teams are desperate, but the matchup leans toward a close game, not a Florida State rout.
Clemson's defense is the case. The Tigers allow just 21.3 points per game and 317.0 yards per game, rank fourth in the ACC in total defense, and have recorded 20 sacks, led by Will Heldt with six. They held Virginia Tech to just 234 total yards and 70 rushing yards last week in a 20-16 loss, and they have allowed no more than 16 points in three of their last four games. That defense now faces a Florida State team that has lost its last two games, gave up over 40 points in each of them, and just lost leading rusher Ousmane Kromah for the season to an ankle fracture and dislocation. Florida State is also shorthanded on defense, with multiple defensive backs and linebackers out, including Quindarrius Jones, Karson Hobbs, Jamari Howard, Blake Nichelson, and Izayia Williams.
Clemson's offense is the obvious worry, averaging just 21.4 points per game with only two touchdown passes all season from freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds, but Gideon Davidson has 492 rushing yards and five touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry, and Clemson does not need a shootout here. Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels is dangerous with 23 total touchdowns, but Clemson's front, which has allowed no rushing touchdowns in its last two games, can force Florida State to win through the air in a tight game. Clemson has also won nine of the last ten meetings with Florida State, including 24-10 in 2025, so this is not a matchup that has intimidated the Tigers. Expect a defensive, field-position game that stays within a field goal either way.
