TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The fifth-ranked Florida State football team returned to practice on Monday following two days off – and fresh from a bye week – focused on this Saturday’s opponent, No. 3/4 Clemson.
The Seminoles will travel to South Carolina to face the Tigers for an 8 p.m. ET matchup at Memorial Stadium that will air on ABC. ESPN’s College GameDay morning show will also be in town and visits Clemson for the second time this season.
The clash of unbeaten and Atlantic Division leaders will mark the fourth time in ACC history two Top 5 teams have met in the history of the conference and the first since 2005.
Florida State hasn’t won in “Death Valley” since 2001, but holds an impressive 9-1 record against ACC opponents ranked in the Top 10 all-time. The last time Florida State traveled on the road to face an ACC team ranked in the Top 3, the Seminoles defeated No. 2 Boston College, 27-17 in 2007.
FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher praised Clemson, calling the Tigers a “tremendous football team” and said the Seminoles are excited for the competition as well as the showcase for the conference.
“That’s why you come to Florida State – to compete in these kind of games and these atmospheres and environments and we have a huge challenge on our hands going up there,” Fisher said. “Again, if you want to accomplish things you have to overcome huge challenges.
“That’s part of the world of competition – the world of athletics and that’s why we love it so much. (I’m) looking forward to that, looking forward a great week of preparation, and they’ll be able to play a great game on Saturday.”
Florida State Spirit Drum Will Travel to First Away Game
One of Florida State’s most prominent athletic traditions will take to the road for the first time as FSU student veterans bring the Seminole Spirit Drum to the FSU at Clemson game this Saturday.
The nearly eight-foot tall drum, which Florida State fans play for hours by prior to each home game, will be located in the tailgating area Clemson University sets aside for fans of visiting schools.
Florida State fans attending the game will assist student veterans in keeping the Spirit Drum beat going for several hours prior to kickoff.
For more information contact Ryan Taylor at rrt11@my.fsu.edu.
