No. 18 Florida State Seminoles vs. Clemson Tigers

Tuesday night features an ACC showdown as the No. 18 Florida State Seminoles (5-1) take on the Clemson Tigers (6-1). Clemson plays host to this one at Littlejohn Coliseum, and tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.
After a week off over Christmas, the Seminoles are ready to get back at it as they take on Clemson on the road.
In their last matchup, Florida State beat Gardner-Webb 72-59. Anthony Polite (15 points, nine rebounds) and Balsa Koprivica (14 points, eight rebounds) led the way in that win. The biggest challenge for Florida State is to not look past the Tigers ahead of a matchup with Duke this weekend.
Clemson has gotten off to an excellent start this season. At 6-1, their lone loss was to No. 24 Virginia Tech, 66-60. They bounced back nicely, though, beating Morehead State 66-51. In that win, Aamir Simms had the most productive day with 12 points and ten rebounds.
Playing at home, Clemson is the favorite in this one. They come in -142 to win while the Seminoles’ moneyline sits at +120. The spread features Florida State +2.5 while the over/under is 131.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, Florida State has been the better of the two teams in scoring. They rank 77th overall averaging 76.3 points per game. Clemson comes in at 237th, averaging just 66.6 points per game.
Defensively, it has been all Clemson. They rank 3rd in scoring defense, allowing just 53.4 points per game to opponents. Florida State has allowed 67 points per game thus far this season.
Florida State Looks For Second Conference Win
As one of six teams in the ACC that are 1-0, the Seminoles will be looking to pick up their second win and stay undefeated in conference play. To do so, they will have to go on the road and play one of the best defensive teams in the country.
While Florida State has four players averaging double digits, it is guard M.J. Walker leading the way thus far. Walker is averaging 16 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
Other notable contributors include Anthony Polite (11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals), Scottie Barnes (10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 steals), and center Balsa Koprivica (10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, one block).
Clemson Hopes To Protect Home Floor
At 6-1, Clemson is on the verge of being a top-25 team and might accomplish that with a win over Florida State. They will look to do just that playing at home, where they are currently 3-0.
Clemson only has two players averaging double digits: forward Aamir Simms and guard Al-Amir Dawes. For Simms, he is averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. Dawes is averaging 11 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Other contributors include Nick Honor (9.4 points, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals), Hunter Tyson (6.6 points, 4.6 rebounds), and Clyde Trapp (6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and two assists).
Taking Florida State And The Points
Without a doubt, this will be the best defense that Florida State has seen, and it will certainly be a tall task for them playing on the road.
Even though they defend amazingly, most games with Clemson will be relatively close given their offensive struggles. While I don’t think Florida State will put up the 76 points they are averaging, I think they will score enough to win, especially while being spotted 2.5 points.