Florida State Seminoles

Clemson Tigers: 3 players to watch against Florida State

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The stakes, as usual, are high coming into Clemson’s match-up with Florida State. Clemson barring any upsets late into the year, has a chance to solidify their spot in the ACC Championship game; the Tigers also have chance to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Getting a win in Doak Campbell is never easy. Dabo Swinney is currently 0-4 on the road against the Seminoles. Florida State has under-performed thus far, currently sitting at 5-2. The Seminoles were steamrolled at Louisville and upset at home by North Carolina.

This game has featured multiple NFL players such as Jameis Winston, Sammy Watkins, Deandre Hopkins, Jalen Ramsey, and Kelvin Benjamin to name a few. As in the past, this years match-up will feature a slew of future NFL players. Here is the select few that will have the biggest impact on the game.

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3. Mike Williams

Mike Williams has given opposing defenses fits all season. Through the first seven games Williams has accumulated 39 catches 578 yards and 4 touchdowns. Pretty impressive for someone coming off of a broken neck.

Florida State’s secondary is depleted with the loss of Nate Andrews and Derwin James. Look for the Tigers test the Noles secondary often. Mike Williams is a mismatch for nearly any defensive back, especially the young and inexperienced ones Florida State will have to rely on.

Deshuan Watson and Williams have been dialed in as of late. Watson is putting the ball where only Williams can get it and Mike is using his body to bully smaller defenders. Expect co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliot to get Williams going early on in the game.

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2. DeMarcus Walker

When DeMarcus Walker chose to come back to school for his senior season, he likely didn’t expect the Noles to be sitting at 5-2 coming into this game. Records aside, Walker has had a strong senior campaign, through seven games Walker has 31 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 9.0 tackles for loss. DeMarcus has been at his best when his team needed him the most. For instance, against Ole Miss the Noles were down 28-13 at the half. Walker posted 4.5 sacks in the second half to help his team rally to a 45-35 win. Against Miami, Walker blocked the Hurricanes game tying extra point attempt to seal a 20-19 victory for the Noles.

The bigger the stage the better DeMarcus has performed thus far. There is no bigger stage left for the senior defensive end than Clemson. The Noles have a chance to derail Clemson’s national championship hopes. Rest assured, DeMarcus Walker will do everything in his power to make sure the Tigers do not walk out of Doak Campbell with a win.

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1. Christian Wilkins

Though Wilkins may be the youngest of this group, his impact will be the biggest. This game is the perfect storm for Wilkins. Florida States offensive line has not performed up to par in 2016. The Seminoles enter the game ranked 108th in sacks allowed with 21. Christian Wilkins is a freak of nature in every sense of the term. At 6’4 310 lbs Wilkins has the ability to play defensive tackle or end. Wilkins is also athletic enough to carry the football. Wilkins has been used on two different fake punts, both of which resulted in first downs.

Wilkins will not only produce, he will create opportunities for other defenders. Florida State is most likely going to double team Wilkins. All of the attention that Wilkins warrants will give guys like Carlos Watkins, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant one on one match-ups. Not to mention it will open up gaps for blitzing linebackers like Ben Bouleware, and Kendall Joseph.

Christian Wilkins will help the Tigers bottle up Dalvin Cook on first and second down; then get after Deondre Francois on third down. He may even block a punt on fourth down.