Can FSU Finally Overcome Clemson?

Associated Press - Glendale, AZ

Florida State enters the national championship game with one big question looming: Can they overcome archrival Clemson? Clemson has dominated the series, winning all 3 matchups, since coach utvol27 and cjohnchavis arrived at their schools. In year 1, Clemson prevailed easily with a 41-7 victory, followed by a 27-10 win in year 2, and a 27-21 this season. Florida State has made progress over the years, but has still been unable to top Clemson. Is the grandest stage in college football the place where Florida State scores its first victory over Clemson and a national title at the same time?

Florida State definitely has the talent to win this game. Led by Heisman winner QB Christian Ponder and star WRs Blake Beck and Bert Reed, the Seminoles offense has been potent all year, minus one game. That one game came vs. Clemson. Florida State went to the air early, but Clemson's defense, always opportunistic, forced turnover after turnover, leading to easy scores for the Tigers. After building a 27-7 lead in the 3rd quarter, FSU took to the ground, churning out two TDs before the end of the 3rd to narrow it to 27-21. FSU looked to have the momentum to pull off the upset, but Clemson stymied FSU's momentum and the 4th quarter remained a stalemate, with neither team scoring. Florida State outgained Clemson and moved the ball well, but Clemson, as usual, found a way to win.

Clemson coach utvol27 realizes that while FSU has made considerable strides, his team has still managed to go 3-0 vs. FSU. "Their offense is downright scary," says utvol27. "They have speed all over the place. But we have built a certain toughness and desire within our boys, and they never let up. Whenever things get tough, we pull through one way or another. It's not always pretty. But we have some darn good players of our own, and we don't let up until we get the win. I'm confident that no matter what FSU throws at us in our rematch, we will pull it out. This is another special team, and we are determined to win a 3rd straight national title."

However, FSU may have history on its side. In 1996, FSU defeated Florida in the last game of the regular season, only to have Florida win the rematch 52-20 in the national title game at the Sugar Bowl. As gutwrenching as that loss was to FSU, that should help them realize that they can win this rematch vs. Clemson.

The intensity in this rivalry should result in a ferocious game. FSU is looking to get off the schnide against Clemson. Will this add pressure to the Seminoles, resulting in a tense team come gameday? Or will it serve as motivation to knock off the Tigers? If the current trend in this series stays true to form, expect a very close and exciting BCS National Championship game in Arizona.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

FSU - Blake Beck, WR - Beck is an all-purpose threat for the Seminoles. He will line up at QB and WR, and FSU is better with the ball in his hands. He is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball.

CLEMSON - Blake Miller, RB - Miller is a speedster with big play potential. His running and catching ability makes him a serious weapon in all facets of Clemson's offense.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

FSU - Turnovers - Clemson prides itself on forcing turnovers, ranking #1 in the country in turnover margin. If FSU doesn't turn the ball over, their chances of winning will go up.

CLEMSON - Running Game - Clemson has struggled running the ball this year compared to past years. Granted, there is no James Davis or CJ Spiller in the backfield. Clemson needs offensive balance to keep FSU's defense guessing, and a solid run game will contribute to this.

QUOTABLE:

FSU - Christian Ponder, QB - "Don't get me wrong, it's an honor to win the Heisman. But there's only one thing I want...a national title. Beating Clemson for the first time in my career to get it would be a dream come true. I must redeem myself for the struggles I've had against them."

CLEMSON - DaQuan Bowers, DE - "All you media guys keep talking about how we gon' stop Ponder this and how we gon' tackle Beck that. I'm tired of hearing all this garbage. We done did it once this year, and we gon' do it again."