Atlantic Coast

No. 2 Clemson looks to regain ACC swagger after close call

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:09 p.m. ET

Florida State (3-2, 2-1 ACC) at No. 2 Clemson (5-0, 3-0), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT (ABC).

Line: Clemson by 26 1/2.

Series record: Florida State leads 20-12.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Clemson is looking to extend its best-ever win streak to 21 straight games and move to 6-0 for the fifth consecutive season. Florida State is seeking a signature victory in coach Willie Taggart's two seasons.

KEY MATCHUP

Florida State quarterback James Blackman against Clemson's defensive line. Blackman is returning after missing the Seminoles last game with a knee injury. Florida State had last week off and Blackman took part in the practices without problems, Taggart said. Blackman will have his hands full with the Tigers' defensive front, which leads the ACC in total defense. They've posted 19 sacks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Florida State: RB Cam Akers is averaging 116 yards a game with seven touchdowns this season, but he's gained only 47 yards in two losses to the Tigers in 2017 and 2018.

Clemson: WR Tee Higgins has caught 22 passes for 505 yards this season, an astounding average of more than 23 yards per catch. Higgins had the 38-yard TD reception that put the Tigers ahead for good in their 21-20 win at North Carolina last time out.

FACTS & FIGURES

Clemson's 20-game win streak is second in ACC history to the 29 in a row won by Florida State from 2012-14. ... The Tigers handed Florida State a 59-10 loss a season ago, tying the Seminoles worst-ever points margin in program history. ... Florida State coach Willie Taggart said while Blackman will start, Wisconsin grad transfer Alex Hornibrook will also play. Hornibrook started the Seminoles last game against North Carolina State. ... Clemson RB Travis Etienne needs 114 yards on the ground to become Clemson's seventh tailback with at least 3,000 yards. ... Florida State is 1-12 all time when it plays the defending national champions. The Seminoles lone such win was 38-3 over Miami in 1984. ... Clemson director of player personnel Brad Scott was Florida State's offensive coordinator when the Seminoles won the 1993 national championship. Scott's son, Jeff, has won two titles in his role as co-offensive coordinator with the Tigers.

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