Dabo Swinney previews 'big battle' between Clemson-Florida State

Clemson has owned Florida State as of late, winning seven consecutive games in the series. But for the first time in a while, on paper FSU has the talent to compete with the Tigers.

Florida State is a trendy pick to win the ACC in 2023, as the Seminoles return a number of impact players and also added some big-time playmakers from the transfer portal this offseason.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said at the 2023 ACC Kickoff event on Thursday that he is well aware that the Clemson-Florida State matchup on Sept. 23 could have ACC Championship and perhaps College Football Playoff implications for the 2023 season.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of big ones where in the past the division was on the line – that game determined the division,” Swinney said. “So now it’s a game that might determine who’s going to the playoff now as it expands. And certainly for the Final 4 [this year]. Or how it’s going to shake out the December ACC Championship game. It’s always electric.”

Mike Norvell is entering his fourth season in charge of the Florida State program, and he finally is starting to live up to expectations. After going 3-6 and 5-7 in his first two seasons, FSU finished 10-3 in 2022, recording its first 10-win season since 2016.

The Seminoles return several of the top players in the ACC, including quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, receiver Johnny Wilson and defensive end Jared Verse. Swinney is very impressed with the roster Florida State has put together.

“They’re a great football team. Mike’s done an unbelievable job. A bunch of great players. I love their quarterback. I think first of all he’s a great kid, and he’s an amazing player. You saw that last year,” Swinney said. “I mean we had a pretty good lead on them in the fourth quarter. And that’s a reflection of their belief in what they’re doing and where they are. Because those kids didn’t quit, man. The next thing you know it’s coming down to an onside kick. So it’ll be a big battle, for sure.”

As Swinney alluded to, Clemson led 34-14 in the fourth quarter last season in Tallahassee, before needing to hold on for a 34-28 win. This year’s matchup could once again come down to the wire.

Even if these two teams didn’t have high expectations heading into the 2023 season, the Florida State-Clemson game would be highly anticipated. The fact that both teams could be ranked in the top 10 for the meeting only adds to the excitement.

“Ah man, regardless if we’re both 4-4 or 8-0, Clemson-Florida State means a lot to a lot of people,” Swinney said. “It’s a big game. It’s certainly one of those rivalry-type games that goes way back.”