Throw out numbers with FSU

CLEMSON -- According to the Tigers, there are lies … and there are Florida State defensive statistics.

Despite Florida State ranking 109th out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in total defense and last in the ACC yards allowed (428.9 per game), the Tigers fawned over the Seminoles' athletic ability and speed Tuesday, saying you can throw out the numbers.

Actually, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney says you can do something else with the numbers -- including the one that has the Seminoles allowing a whopping 17.2 yards per pass completion.

"Light a fire and burn them in a trash can," Swinney said. "Saturday is all that matters."

Swinney notes the Seminoles have standout linebacker Dekoda Watson, arguably the top linebacker in the ACC, back healthy and have as much speed as any defense in the conference.

Clemson receiver Jacoby Ford says the speed could allow the Seminoles defense to do "something spectacular."

Could.

The Seminoles allowed 42 points to N.C. State last week, nearly losing to the Wolfpack, which is winless in ACC play. Florida State allowed 27 points to the offensively-challenged Tar Heels in its first ACC win two weeks ago, and 44 points to Georgia Tech the previous week.

Rumors of dysfunction have swirled around FSU defensive assistant Chuck Amato and the Florida State staff, and longtime coordinator Mickey Andrews announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the season.

Along with dysfunction and discipline, the Seminoles have a size deficiency.

Their defensive front four averages 260.7 pounds per player.

Last season, the Seminoles posted their worst rush defense (3.8 yards per carry) since 1995, and this season it is a full yard worse (4.8).

And while the Seminoles' fleet front four usually rushes the passer extremely well, FSU is sixth in the ACC in sacks (17) this season, lacking an edge presence like former FSU standouts Everette Brown or Kamerion Wimbley.

Ponder this

Clemson linebacker Brandon Maye called Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder "a genius" Tuesday, noting he is often given multiple plays from the coaching staff, which allows him to make play calls at the line of scrimmage.

Ponder is playing excellent football, and much to defenders' dismay across the conference, says he intends to return to school next fall.

Ponder also said he'll play Saturday. The junior is nursing bruised ribs, which might limit his running.

Medical report

Swinney said defensive end Da'Quan Bowers (knee) is improving, but said he is still unlikely to play Saturday.

Tight end Michael Palmer (concussion) was cleared to practice Tuesday night. Though team doctors have not cleared him for Saturday's game, Palmer said Tuesday he expects to play. He is still suffering from headaches.

C.J. Spiller (turf toe) said his toe is feeling near "100 percent" after carrying the ball only five times Saturday.

Bragging rights

More than the ACC Atlantic title is on the line for the Clemson seniors, who have a 2-1 mark against the Seminoles. A win secures a winning mark against FSU, which Spiller said is a big deal. Florida State has a 16-6 series advantage, but the Tigers have won four of the last six meetings.