Death Valley has been the scene of many glorious nights throughout Clemson’s storied history. Once the symbol of invincibility has turned into one of vulnerability. They have already lost to LSU, Syracuse, SMU, and Duke, and are in very real danger of missing a bowl game for the first time in 21 years. The challenge for Dabo Swinney has increased it may witness historic lows as Florida State arrives on Nov 9.

Normally, FSU vs Clemson is a prime-time showdown, highly anticipated by fans of both sides. It’s a rivalry that has kept the ACC relevant over the years. But ESPN has relegated it to its second-string ACC network due to its insignificance in the playoff scenario. Plus, Clemson is struggling for identity after another heartbreaking close 45-46 loss against Duke, which marked their sixth loss to a power four opponent at home. It still has a lot at stake as the Tigers look to avoid the repeat of an unwanted record.

The unwanted record we are talking about was pointed out by a Clemson Insider, Will Vandervort, on his Twitter account. He posted, “If Clemson loses to FSU on Saturday night, it will mark the program’s 7th straight home loss to a Power Conference foe. If that happens, it will tie for the longest such losing streak in Clemson Football history (1907-1917).” It will be interesting to watch how Clemson reacts to this challenge and avoids another loss at home. While they ensure the history books remain unchanged, the 108-year-old record hangs in the balance. Although it’s easier said than done.

As they have emerged as their biggest adversaries in their own growth. It has been more about self-sabotage than forced errors. Clemson is one of the worst teams in the country in turnover margin at -0.6 per game (ranked #112). Due to this, the Clemson Tigers have gone from being title contenders and a preseason ranking of #4 to being an afterthought. Adding to this, a very inconsistent season by Cade Klubnik has them reeling at 12th in the ACC.

He has struggled consistently with distribution and finding unmarked catchers. The 22-year-old has recorded timid numbers with a completion percentage of just 67.2%, and threw for 1,915 yards with 13 TDs and 5 interceptions. His last performance against Duke, where he threw for 385 yards and two touchdowns, was only the second time that he had 300+ passing yards. As Klubnik showed signs of resurgence, ESPN analytics currently gives the Tigers a 46.5% chance to beat FSU.

They might actually end with them breaking the jinx at Death Valley. On the other hand, FSU coach Mike Norvell has been doing his part in promoting the matchup.

Mike Norvell is trying his best to hype up the dead Rubber

Mike Norvell was pretty clear with his expectations and the stakes of the matchup against Clemson. He might be doing this as a win against the Tigers will go a long way in helping him ensure a steady future with the Seminoles. In his last interaction with the media before his trip to Death Valley, he hyped up the matchup, calling it a “big game” and a “high-stakes” one. All this, in light of it being a dead rubber, highlights the effort put in by Norvell to make it look like a defining victory if they can pull it off.

A fact of which he would be highly confident, given their dominant 42-7 victory over Wake Forest. This took them to an overall record of 4-4. Although life hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the Seminoles either. They find themselves at the bottom of ACC as they have managed just a single victory in the conference. Mike Norvell’s tenure has been under increased scrutiny as they have failed on both sides of the ball. LaNorris Sellers has been guilty of trying to be a one-man army.

The now-fired offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator, Adam Fuller, failed to provide him and the team with good strategies to counter their opponents. But now that they are gone, Seminoles would fancy their chances against a struggling Clemson. Which was evident as Mike said, “If you could do something to keep people from cheering on the road, there. But I mean, there we’re not in control of that, right? And so at the end of the day, we will be in control of ourselves, and that has to be our focus.”

As he talked about silencing Death Valley while controlling things that they can. Which is a veiled way of saying we are coming for you. It comes as a direct reaction to when he called them a quality side earlier in the press conference.