The Clemson Tigers powered past ACC rival Florida State with a strong opening quarter and dominant defense, securing a 29-13 win on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
Ranked No. 15, the Tigers (4-1, 3-0 ACC) jumped out to a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter and maintained control throughout. The Seminoles (1-5, 1-4 ACC) struggled to keep pace as Clemson asserted its dominance early and never let up. With this win, Clemson remains atop the ACC standings as they prepare for a road game against Wake Forest next Saturday at noon.
The victory also marked a significant milestone for Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who earned his 174th win in ACC play, surpassing Florida State legend Bobby Bowden for the most in conference history.
Florida State was forced to start freshman quarterback Brock Glenn in place of former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who was sidelined with a finger injury. Without their usual starter, the Seminoles faced a tough challenge against Clemson’s defense. Glenn made his third career start and finished with 228 passing yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw an interception, which was snagged by Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell, his second of the season.
Clemson’s defense was particularly effective at shutting down Florida State’s rushing attack, holding the Seminoles to just 22 rushing yards. Lead back Lawrance Toafili was limited to only 16 yards on the ground, forcing Florida State to rely heavily on Glenn’s passing. Although Glenn connected for a late 12-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas, bringing the score to 23-13 with 9:36 remaining, the Seminoles couldn’t close the gap.
Clemson responded immediately, with running back Phil Mafah breaking free for a 59-yard run that set up a 31-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser, extending the lead to 29-13. Florida State’s offense never threatened again, and Clemson redeemed itself after last season’s narrow loss to the Seminoles.
Clemson’s fast start was fueled by three consecutive scoring drives following a three-and-out on their opening possession. Hauser kicked a 26-yard field goal to put the Tigers on the board, and quarterback Cade Klubnik followed with touchdown passes to Antonio Williams (57 yards) and T.J. Moore (23 yards) in the first quarter, giving Clemson a commanding 17-0 lead.
Florida State’s defense managed to limit Clemson to four more field goals by Hauser, while also blocking two field goal attempts. However, the Seminoles’ offensive struggles prevented them from capitalizing on those opportunities. Their lone score of the first half came on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Glenn to Amaree Williams, cutting Clemson’s lead to 17-7, but that was as close as the Seminoles would get.
Klubnik finished the game with 235 passing yards and no interceptions, while Mafah led the ground attack with 154 rushing yards. Klubnik added 62 rushing yards of his own, and Bryant Wesco Jr. led Clemson’s receivers with four catches. Antonio Williams finished with 84 yards receiving as the Tigers cruised to their fourth win of the season.
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