From Heather Dinich of ESPN:

Clemson and Florida State -- the two projected frontrunners for the division -- will play on Sept. 22 in Tallahassee. Clemson, the defending ACC champs, will likely be the underdogs, as Florida State should be a preseason top-10 team. Quarterbacks Tajh Boyd and EJ Manuel will take center stage, but one of the keys to the game will be how Clemson’s revamped offensive line fares against a deep and talented Florida State defensive line. One thing the Tigers have that the Noles don’t is a true go-to player at receiver. Sammy Watkins was one of the best players in the country last year as a true freshman, and has said he doesn’t even know what a “sophomore slump” is. Florida State's defense, though, should be one of the best in the country.

With 18 starters returning -- more than any other team in the ACC -- Florida State is the team to beat this year. It’s a bit of a stretch to call any September game a “must-win,” but if Clemson is going to defend its ACC title, it will dramatically increase its chances by leaving Tallahassee with a win. It’s only the first conference game of the season for the Tigers, and it will no doubt have arguably the biggest impact on the Atlantic Division standings.

Read the full article here

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