Clemson Football: 5 reasons why the Tigers won’t repeat in 2017

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers players celebrate after they beat the Alabama Crimson TideNCAAFB-ac1483679038.txt in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers players celebrate after they beat the Alabama Crimson TideNCAAFB-ac1483679038.txt in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Florida State is experienced

The annual Tiger-Noles showdown will tell the fate of the ACC and which team goes to the College Football Playoff. Clemson has won the last two matchups, but the tables should turn in Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles’ favor.

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In 2016, Clemson was the more experienced team and they won the game, the ACC and eventually the national championship. But now in 2017, Florida State is the more experienced team and is favored to win the game and the ACC.

The ‘Noles return 14 starters while the Tigers return 12. The numbers are very close but Florida State returns a more experienced quarterback in Deondre Francois. Clemson can win this game.

It’s home in Death Valley, probably at night, but Noles have the better defense, the better quarterback and the better head coach. All three things travel.

The only thing that is known is that the winner of the game will go onto the ACC Championship.