Write On Sports LLC - "Bowden Bowl Preview" by Bill Kristoph

Bowden Bowl Preview

2006-09-13 16:14:36 | By: Bill Kristoph

Yet another Bowden Bowl is upon us, and the usual questions remain. Can the Seminole offense find a running game to take pressure off of quarterback Drew Weatherford? Does Bobby Bowden "go easy" on his son Tommy, when FSU plays Clemson? Will Clemson be able to come into Doak Campbell Stadium and win? Can the Tigers recover from a heartbreaking loss to the Boston College Eagles? Why is it that Clemson never seems to be ranked when FSU plays them?

Can the history of the series provide the answers? Clemson hasn't won in Doak Campbell Stadium since 1989. Nor do the Tigers have a very good record against the Seminoles after a loss the prior week (2-4). FSU is 52-9 when playing on an ESPN network. The 'Noles are the winningest team in ACC history. FSU has won over 90% of its ACC games and has never lost an ACC opener. Etc. Etc. Etc. History certainly favors the 'Noles, even after an embarrassing loss last year at Clemson. And no, Bowden doesn't lay down for Tommy. It just looks that way to frustrated Seminole fans. However, the 2006 match-up might be quite different than any before. Why?

First, the Clemson Tigers are an experience laden team, only losing their starting quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who, at best, was mediocre. The Clemson offensive attack has speed on the outside, and #2 Chansi Stuckey will see quite a few balls thrown his way by Tiger QB Will Proctor. Clemson will throw a couple of running backs at FSU, led by #1 James Davis, who is averaging nearly 100 yards per game. On defense, Clemson is also experienced and strong; however they've suffered the loss of two key middle linebackers. Will that affect their ability to stuff the FSU run? Until FSU proves that it can, in fact, run the ball, I'll say, "No." For the 'Noles it's the same old story. The offense looks vanilla, and the running game isn't established. The weekly quotes have had the common theme of "Who needs to run, when we can move it throwing?" I think the 2005 campaign showed why a running attack is necessary. If FSU doesn't have one, they are easy to defend. Critics have a right to remain skeptical about FSU's offense until they move the ball with consistency and balance for an entire game. If the 'Noles can, they might be a contender for yet another ACC Title. In a perfect world, the 'Noles will have over 150 yards rushing and more than 5 combined receptions to the Tight Ends.

If the last two weeks are any indication, FSU's defense is the first unit to return to the prominence of the 1990's teams. They are fast, smart and athletic. However, they've suffered huge losses to injury in the middle of the line. Are the linebackers going to be making too many tackles on Saturday? Will that tire them enough to opening up a huge passing day for Clemson? It's certainly possible, and maybe even likely. For FSU's sake, the 3-4 might be the best way to go until some players heal.

And finally, an often overlooked spot in these games, since many of them haven't been close, is Special Teams. While FSU kicker Gary Cismesia is suspect at times, Clemson's kicker Jad Dean is only 4-6 this season and missed a key extra-point in the overtime loss to Boston College last week. Clemson had better hope it doesn't come down to a kick in front of 84,000 in Doak. The 'Noles need help in other areas too; Chris Davis muffed a punt last week and the kickoff returns have left a lot to be desired. Does Peter Warrick have any eligibility left?

So who will win on Saturday (7:45 ESPN)? It's not a good idea to bet against the 'Noles at home, especially against Clemson. Yes, the 'Noles played a tight game with Troy University last Saturday. Fear not 'Nole fans, Troy was an experienced team with a good game plan, and they still lost the game. The Clemson loss to B.C. might have focused them even more on FSU; however, the FSU defense will be too much to overcome. 'Noles 24 Tigers 17.

Post a comment