Join our ESPN.com college football experts as they bring you the Game of the Week: No. 10 Clemson at No. 4 Florida State.
Contribute your thoughts and questions beginning at 8 p.m. ET. If you've got a killer tailgate going on, tweet @ESPNCFB and we'll pull the best photos into the chat. See you there.
Contribute your thoughts and questions beginning at 8 p.m. ET. If you've got a killer tailgate going on, tweet @ESPNCFB and we'll pull the best photos into the chat. See you there.
Tom Rinaldi talks with Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher about his son's battle with Fanconi anemia.
Lee Corso makes his pick for the Clemson-Florida State game.
Todd McShay looks at how Florida State's run game will be crucial against Clemson.
LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Five-star cornerback Mackensie Alexander of Immokalee (Fla.) High School revealed some of his future plans after a Friday night loss to Lake Wales (Fla.) High School.
However, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior isn’t going to tell everything.
“I’m planning on going to the FSU-Clemson game Saturday, we’ll see what happens,” Alexander said. “I want to see how FSU plays, how they cover [Sammy] Watkins. I talked to Sammy and he says he’s going to do his thing.
However, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior isn’t going to tell everything.
“I’m planning on going to the FSU-Clemson game Saturday, we’ll see what happens,” Alexander said. “I want to see how FSU plays, how they cover [Sammy] Watkins. I talked to Sammy and he says he’s going to do his thing.
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Rathan-Mayes will choose from three 
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
4:05
PM ET
By
Reggie Rankin | ESPN.com
One of the best and arguably most complete shooting guards in the country, regardless of class, is ESPN 100 SG Xavier Rathan-Mayes (Scarborough, Ontario/Huntington Prep), who is No. 23 overall in the rankings.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Rathan-Mayes is a shooting guard in every sense of the word. In my opinion, he is a triple-threat scorer, which is the best kind of bucket-getter. He can score in transition by getting to the rim, where he finishes through contact. He can also stop and pop or spot up along the arc. In the half-court set, he can knock down 3-pointers by spacing on the side of dribble penetration and come off screens or from ball reversal.
Most importantly, his midrange game is smooth and efficient. Jumpers inside the arc off the catch or dribble going right or left are no problem for him. He also makes floaters with touch and body control.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Rathan-Mayes is a shooting guard in every sense of the word. In my opinion, he is a triple-threat scorer, which is the best kind of bucket-getter. He can score in transition by getting to the rim, where he finishes through contact. He can also stop and pop or spot up along the arc. In the half-court set, he can knock down 3-pointers by spacing on the side of dribble penetration and come off screens or from ball reversal.
Most importantly, his midrange game is smooth and efficient. Jumpers inside the arc off the catch or dribble going right or left are no problem for him. He also makes floaters with touch and body control.
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Video: Herbstreit on Clemson-FSU
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
3:59
PM ET
By NoleNation staff | ESPN.com
Kirk Herbstreit thinks the matchup to watch is Clemson's offense going against Florida State's defense.
Video: Rinaldi, Howard on FSU-Clemson
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
1:53
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By NoleNation staff | ESPN.com
Tom Rinaldi and Desmond Howard offer up the answers for Clemson and Florida State to find victory in their ACC showdown Saturday.
High-stakes matchup for the ACC
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
1:46
PM ET
By NoleNation staff | ESPN.com
The Pac-12 will never understand. The Big 12 has no idea what it feels like. And the Big Ten only thinks it can relate.
No other conference in the country, though, is dwarfed by the SEC like the ACC. The shadow the nation's best conference casts over its ACC neighbor is not just an overblown caricature, it's as real as the highways that connect Clemson with rival South Carolina and Florida State with Florida.
It's evident in the ACC's 25-42 record against the SEC since 2003, the last time it had a winning record against the league. Because of the blurred geographical lines that separate the two conferences, the ACC's failure against the SEC -- and the lack of a national title contender to challenge it -- has determined its place in college football. It's a place closer to pretending than contending, and can usually be found on the outside looking in at the nation's elite.
On Saturday in Tallahassee, No. 10 Clemson and No. 4 Florida State have a chance to change the nature of the debate surrounding the ACC and take the first step toward proving that this season will be different than in years past.
Read more from ESPN.com's Heather Dinich.
No other conference in the country, though, is dwarfed by the SEC like the ACC. The shadow the nation's best conference casts over its ACC neighbor is not just an overblown caricature, it's as real as the highways that connect Clemson with rival South Carolina and Florida State with Florida.
It's evident in the ACC's 25-42 record against the SEC since 2003, the last time it had a winning record against the league. Because of the blurred geographical lines that separate the two conferences, the ACC's failure against the SEC -- and the lack of a national title contender to challenge it -- has determined its place in college football. It's a place closer to pretending than contending, and can usually be found on the outside looking in at the nation's elite.
On Saturday in Tallahassee, No. 10 Clemson and No. 4 Florida State have a chance to change the nature of the debate surrounding the ACC and take the first step toward proving that this season will be different than in years past.
Read more from ESPN.com's Heather Dinich.
Video: FSU honors Klepal's scholarship
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
12:25
PM ET
By NoleNation staff | ESPN.com
NoleNation's Corey Dowlar discusses Florida State honoring the scholarship of Richy Klepal, whose football career is over because of repeated concussions.
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Clemson means big FSU recruiting weekend
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
11:00
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
Florida State's 2012 schedule is conducive to a BCS bowl run with the absence of a lot of tough challenges. And for that reason, several national analysts have the Seminoles as their pick to attend the national title game in Miami.
What the schedule isn't, though, is full of marquee home games.
Saturday's matchup with Clemson, a top-10 contest that will likely decide the ACC Atlantic Division, qualifies as one -- if not the biggest. Keeping that in mind, it is also a perfect opportunity for the Seminoles to have some of their biggest targets on campus.
What the schedule isn't, though, is full of marquee home games.
Saturday's matchup with Clemson, a top-10 contest that will likely decide the ACC Atlantic Division, qualifies as one -- if not the biggest. Keeping that in mind, it is also a perfect opportunity for the Seminoles to have some of their biggest targets on campus.
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Jake McCrary humbled by OSU offer
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
First and foremost, Jake McCrary (Miami/Coral Reef) is committed to the Florida State Seminoles.
But that doesn’t mean the junior wide receiver wasn’t thrilled when he picked up an offer from Ohio State.
“It means a lot,” McCrary said. “Ohio State is a great school. They have a great tradition and great academics.
But that doesn’t mean the junior wide receiver wasn’t thrilled when he picked up an offer from Ohio State.
“It means a lot,” McCrary said. “Ohio State is a great school. They have a great tradition and great academics.
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Ellington will test FSU's run defense
September, 21, 2012
9/21/12
9:00
AM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Clemson opened 2012 away from home against Auburn, with questions swirling about how last season's high-flying offense would perform without its best acrobat, Sammy Watkins, who was suspended for two games.
The emphatic answer came in the form of Andre Ellington.
The senior tailback has largely toiled in the shadows of the Tigers' big-play passing attack, but Ellington remains the engine that drives so much of what the Tigers do offensively. Against Auburn, he ran for a whopping 228 yards to pave the way for a Clemson victory. Since the start of the 2011 season, Ellington has racked up more than 1,500 yards on the ground.
"He’s really elusive, he’s really fast," FSU linebacker Vince Williams said. "He reminds me of a slightly bigger Chris [Thompson]. He can do some things. I like him."
But in a game heralded for its strength-against-strength matchups, there may be none more intense than Ellington's elusive speed vs. Florida State's ferocious defensive front.
The emphatic answer came in the form of Andre Ellington.
The senior tailback has largely toiled in the shadows of the Tigers' big-play passing attack, but Ellington remains the engine that drives so much of what the Tigers do offensively. Against Auburn, he ran for a whopping 228 yards to pave the way for a Clemson victory. Since the start of the 2011 season, Ellington has racked up more than 1,500 yards on the ground.
"He’s really elusive, he’s really fast," FSU linebacker Vince Williams said. "He reminds me of a slightly bigger Chris [Thompson]. He can do some things. I like him."
But in a game heralded for its strength-against-strength matchups, there may be none more intense than Ellington's elusive speed vs. Florida State's ferocious defensive front.
CORSICANA, Texas – A decision could come relatively soon for massive junior college offensive tackle Aleon Calhoun (Corsicana, Texas/Navarro College).
At 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds, Calhoun claims offers from Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M, West Virginia and a host of other schools. He most recently picked up an offer from Florida State and said he hopes to make a decision in 2-3 weeks.
“Wherever I go, I’m looking for 10 more guys just like me,” Calhoun said. “I want everybody hungry for one thing, and that’s to win. I’m looking for guys who are hungry for the next play, the next game, the next win.”
At 6-foot-7 and 345 pounds, Calhoun claims offers from Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Texas A&M, West Virginia and a host of other schools. He most recently picked up an offer from Florida State and said he hopes to make a decision in 2-3 weeks.
“Wherever I go, I’m looking for 10 more guys just like me,” Calhoun said. “I want everybody hungry for one thing, and that’s to win. I’m looking for guys who are hungry for the next play, the next game, the next win.”
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Notes: Scout team proves valuable
September, 20, 2012
9/20/12
6:51
PM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In terms of development and experience, Jameis Winston is a long way from Tajh Boyd.
The skill sets for the two quarterbacks, however, aren't so different. Winston is a few inches taller, but both are thick and strong. Winston has the arm, too -- a cannon that made him the nation's top quarterback recruit a year ago. Add the mobility, the ability to get outside the pocket and run with the football, and the Florida State freshman actually plays an awful lot like Clemson's Heisman hopeful.
At least, that has been the thought for much of this week's practice as FSU gets set to host Boyd and the Tigers on Saturday. Winston -- along with third-stringer Jacob Coker -- has served as Boyd's stand-in with FSU's scout team this week, giving the Seminoles defense a close-up look at the challenge it will face when Saturday's battle of top-10 teams kicks off.
"They both provide athleticism and arm strength," Jimbo Fisher said of Winston and Coker. "They can simulate arm strength, athleticism, running and good size. The defense is getting a good look from that perspective."
Meanwhile freshman track star Marvin Bracy has played the role of Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, testing the FSU secondary downfield, while the bulkier Kelvin Benjamin has pushed the defensive backs to play with more physicality, too.
"I get that same type of physical nature from [Benjamin]," cornerback Nick Waisome said of his preparation for Watkins this week.
Florida State's roster depth has been lauded as a major asset by Fisher all year, but trickle-down effect on the scout team provides its own rewards.
For FSU's starters, the challenge of taking on gifted freshmen and back-ups during practice provides a more realistic comparison to game day than a group of walk-ons might be able to offer.
For those freshmen and reserves, it's a valuable chance to see how they measure up against some of the best players in the country, while still making a contribution to the team.
"A post is a post, a slant is a slant, and they’re running against good people every day," Fisher said. "Suddenly they say, ‘You know something, I can play with that guy.’ ”
The extra push in practice should come in handy this week against the high-flying Clemson offense, but Fisher sees benefits down the road, too.
“Scout team people look at as a negative, but most guys it turns out to be a real positive," he said. "And it prepares your team better when you get more quality guys.”
Secure the tackle: Waisome said his goal Saturday is to hold Watkins without a catch, but even he recognizes that might be a lofty goal. The more significant issue for FSU's defensive backs might be ensure the play ends shortly after Watkins comes down with the ball.
In last year's game, 105 of Watkins' 141 receiving yards came after the catch, and nearly 63 percent of his career yardage has come after the ball is in his hands.
That's makes wrapping up on open-field tackles a top priority.
"It's going to be critical," Fisher said. "When they have great skill guys, they create those one-on-ones, and being able to get them down in space, that's big. Real big. It'll be a huge challenge."
More to come: After the first two weeks of the season, EJ Manuel estimated Florida State had used roughly three percent of its playbook. After another easy win against Wake Forest, he joked that number may have risen to 4.8.
Truth be told, it's probably a good bit more than that, but that doesn't mean Florida State is close to clicking on all cylinders offensively.
"As far as where we're trying to go, I don't think we're close," Rashad Greene said. "That's the mentality we have. We're not settling for anything. We strive to get better every day. That's the motto of the team."
Injury updates: Defensive back Justin Bright (head) and Garrett Faircloth (hip) will miss Saturday's game.
The skill sets for the two quarterbacks, however, aren't so different. Winston is a few inches taller, but both are thick and strong. Winston has the arm, too -- a cannon that made him the nation's top quarterback recruit a year ago. Add the mobility, the ability to get outside the pocket and run with the football, and the Florida State freshman actually plays an awful lot like Clemson's Heisman hopeful.
At least, that has been the thought for much of this week's practice as FSU gets set to host Boyd and the Tigers on Saturday. Winston -- along with third-stringer Jacob Coker -- has served as Boyd's stand-in with FSU's scout team this week, giving the Seminoles defense a close-up look at the challenge it will face when Saturday's battle of top-10 teams kicks off.
"They both provide athleticism and arm strength," Jimbo Fisher said of Winston and Coker. "They can simulate arm strength, athleticism, running and good size. The defense is getting a good look from that perspective."
Meanwhile freshman track star Marvin Bracy has played the role of Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, testing the FSU secondary downfield, while the bulkier Kelvin Benjamin has pushed the defensive backs to play with more physicality, too.
"I get that same type of physical nature from [Benjamin]," cornerback Nick Waisome said of his preparation for Watkins this week.
Florida State's roster depth has been lauded as a major asset by Fisher all year, but trickle-down effect on the scout team provides its own rewards.
For FSU's starters, the challenge of taking on gifted freshmen and back-ups during practice provides a more realistic comparison to game day than a group of walk-ons might be able to offer.
For those freshmen and reserves, it's a valuable chance to see how they measure up against some of the best players in the country, while still making a contribution to the team.
"A post is a post, a slant is a slant, and they’re running against good people every day," Fisher said. "Suddenly they say, ‘You know something, I can play with that guy.’ ”
The extra push in practice should come in handy this week against the high-flying Clemson offense, but Fisher sees benefits down the road, too.
“Scout team people look at as a negative, but most guys it turns out to be a real positive," he said. "And it prepares your team better when you get more quality guys.”
Secure the tackle: Waisome said his goal Saturday is to hold Watkins without a catch, but even he recognizes that might be a lofty goal. The more significant issue for FSU's defensive backs might be ensure the play ends shortly after Watkins comes down with the ball.
In last year's game, 105 of Watkins' 141 receiving yards came after the catch, and nearly 63 percent of his career yardage has come after the ball is in his hands.
That's makes wrapping up on open-field tackles a top priority.
"It's going to be critical," Fisher said. "When they have great skill guys, they create those one-on-ones, and being able to get them down in space, that's big. Real big. It'll be a huge challenge."
More to come: After the first two weeks of the season, EJ Manuel estimated Florida State had used roughly three percent of its playbook. After another easy win against Wake Forest, he joked that number may have risen to 4.8.
Truth be told, it's probably a good bit more than that, but that doesn't mean Florida State is close to clicking on all cylinders offensively.
"As far as where we're trying to go, I don't think we're close," Rashad Greene said. "That's the mentality we have. We're not settling for anything. We strive to get better every day. That's the motto of the team."
Injury updates: Defensive back Justin Bright (head) and Garrett Faircloth (hip) will miss Saturday's game.
ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.