Everett Golson pushes FSU past Clemson as ACC favorite

The duel initially was scheduled for Oct. 3. Clemson University sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson was expected to trade highlight passes and exciting runs with University of Notre Dame senior quarterback Everett Golson.

However, when Notre Dame visits Death Valley during the fifth week of the season, Golson will be in Winston-Salem, North Carolina facing Wake Forest University.

Golson, a Myrtle Beach native, led Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the Bowl Championship Series national title game in 2012. Yet, Golson lost the battle for the starting role to Malik Zaire during the spring practice session. Golson announced plans to transfer on May 7. He graduated from Notre Dame 10 days later.

On Tuesday, Golson announced that he would transfer to Clemson's Atlantic Coast Conference rival Florida State University. Because Golson already graduated, he is immediately eligible to play for Florida State this fall.

Consequently, the Watson-Golson duel merely has been postponed until Nov. 7, when Florida State visits Clemson. That is if Golson can supplant junior Sean Maguire, who was projected to replace former Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.

Intense studying between now and fall camp could help Golson compensate for the advantage Maguire enjoys from spending three years in the system. However, there is nothing Maguire can do this summer to compensate for the gap in talent. Those of us who watched Clemson's visit to Florida State last season know how wide that gap is.

Winston was suspended for that game. Maguire started. Maguire struggled. He completed 21 of 39 pass attempts (53.8 percent) for 304 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked five times, netted a loss of 46 rushing yards and closed the game with a quarterback rating of 28.9.

However, that game launched Watson's ascension as Clemson's starting quarterback. He completed 19 of 28 attempts for 266 yards. He rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown and compiled a QB rating of 65.

Florida State won the game in overtime, but a tremor rolled through the stadium that night and appeared to shift future fortune in this rivalry.

At least this season, Clemson could enjoy the more dynamic quarterback. Clemson could equip him with more explosive playmakers and a fortified offensive line. Clemson could enjoy home-field advantage against league nuisances Florida State and Georgia Tech. Thus, Clemson closed the spring session as the preseason favorite to win the ACC championship.

The fortunes may have shifted back when Golson arrived in Tallahassee.

Golson compiled 5,850 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and 20 interceptions through three seasons at Notre Dame. That included the 313 yards, three touchdowns and two picks he posted in his duel with Winston last season.

Golson's experience is an instant upgrade over Maguire. Golson's elusiveness can help Florida State counter the losses it suffered on the offensive line. Golson's athleticism, paired with running back Dalvin Cook, can provide an option threat Florida State could not utilize with Winston.

According to ESPN, the Bovada sportsbook updated its odds for the College Football Playoff after Golson picked Florida State. The Seminoles' odds to win the national championship improved from 33-to-1 to 12-to-1, better than Notre Dame (20-to-1) and Clemson (22-to-1).

Golson also jumped into the Top 10 of Bovada's Heisman Trophy board at 14-to-1. Watson is tied for 11th on that list at 20-to-1.

After his breakthrough game against Florida State, Watson suffered two major injuries— a broken finger and a torn knee ligament. According to coach Dabo Swinney, Watson's healing process has defied medical convention. Regardless of Swinney's embellishment, Watson's healing power is not the question. His staying power is.

Yet, if he remains healthy, Watson will be more efficient, more explosive and more effective than Golson. Additionally, Golson's decision did not change the schedule. Clemson still will enjoy home-field advantage, and the Death Valley crowd loves playing the underdog role.

The adjusted odds seem odd. Golson could not even win the starting role at Notre Dame, where he had spent four years. However, somehow he has pushed Florida State back into the playoff conversation before he has called his first audible.

Yet, at this point, it is merely a conversation. It is preliminary chatter. It is intriguing but ultimately irrelevant banter. These rivals must meet on the field in November.

And the victor will have the last word.

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