Clemson will face Florida State at home Saturday in "Bowden Bowl V." The Tigers will attempt to defeat the Seminoles for the first time in 12 years.
Clemson sophomore quarterback Charlie Whitehurst will play Florida State for the first time and attempt to overcome its defense, currently ranked second and allowing just 10.78 points per game. Whitehurst is third in the ACC in passing yards with an average of 267.8, squeaking past the Seminole quarterback Chris Rix's 264.2.
However, Clemson has proven that it is able to gain yards against the Seminoles' strong defense. In last year's match-up Clemson gained 220 more yards in the air than Florida State -- 55 more total. Despite the significant statistical advantages in that game, Clemson was unable to outscore the Seminoles and fell 48-31.
One of Clemson's disadvantages is its turnover margin in comparison to Florida State. While this year the overall difference is not too dramatic with Clemson at 0.11 per game and Florida State at 0.78 per game, turnovers played an important role in the Seminole victory last year. The Seminole defense forced four turnovers; the Tigers did not force any.
Seminole junior quarterback Chris Rix is number two in the ACC in total offense, third in passing yards. Last year against Clemson, Rix ran for the first Seminole touchdown and passed for 114 yards.
Despite Rix's success in passing yards, Tommy Bowden sees the Seminoles as a greater threat on the ground. The Tigers are ranked 20th nationally for passing defense but have not been as effective defending against the rush.
"I'd be more afraid of their running game than their passing game," Tommy Bowden said. "We had a lot of trouble tackling Greg Jones last year. Our players should remember him well."
Jones, a senior running back, scored three touchdowns in last year's game while rushing for 149 yards. Jones tore his ACL last November, ending his 2002 season, but has regained his position as the leading rusher for the Seminoles.
"They have two or three guys that are all good though," Tommy Bowden said of Florida State's depth at running back. "They have different styles, but little separation as far as status is concerned."
Clemson also has several dangerous offensive weapons. Junior wide receiver Derrick Hamilton currently leads the ACC in all-purpose yards with 129.4 per game. Hamilton also led the ACC in the same category last season.
In last year's game against the Seminoles he had a touchdown catch and gained 23 yards in only three carries. Hamilton's diverse offensive participation has made him an important force this season for the Tigers. When Clemson played Virginia, Hamilton threw a 29 yard pass that put Clemson within the Virginia five-yard line.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Kevin Youngblood is second in the ACC for receptions per game with six and averages 67.2 receiving yards. Last year Youngblood gained 22 yards in two receptions against the Seminoles.
Bobby Bowden has been with Florida State for 28 years with a record of 267-65-4. His son Tommy Bowden has been with Clemson for five years with a record of 34-24.
In addition to having lost the last 11 matches against Florida State, Clemson must overcome the Seminoles' 7-0 record at Clemson.
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