There is absolutely no denying that the atmosphere in Death Valley today is one like we havent seen since 2016 when Lamar Jackson and Louisville came to town. Will it be a similar result for Clemson?
First Quarter Thoughts:
Not much to do for the Tigers on the first offensive drive of the day. Klubnik hit Collins on a slant route for the only first down on the drive. Aiden Swanson boomed a punt deep but it rolled into the endzone for a touchback. Florida State will take over at the 20 yard line.
The impact of the fans is evident early and often today. Florida State was able to get two first downs on their opening drive but not much after that. Clemson will get the ball back on the 8 yard line. We should be in store for a good one today.
The Clemson offense was able to get a couple first downs but was eventually stopped near midfield. I love the aggressive play calling early in the game from Garrett Riley to go for it on 4th and 1, and Phil Mafah picks it up to keep the drive going. On the next play Klubnik hits Briningstool for a decent gain over the middle but it is called back for offensive pass interference on Adam Randall. 2nd and 25 and Klubnik hits Shipley for a big gain to make the 3rd down play a little bit closer. Low and behold on 3rd down here comes Tyler Brown to make the first down grab.
Clemson gets it down into the redzone but they are not able to punch it in. The stadium gives a big cheer as Jonathan Weitz comes on… AND HE DRILLS IT FROM 30 YARDS. Tigers take the lead 3-0 with 1:47 left in the first quarter.
Clemson Nation, and the defense both came to play on the ensuing drive and the Seminoles would have a 3 and out.
The first quarter was definitely a chance to feel the other team out for both sides. Clemson was able to come away with a field goal and win the quarter. They will get the ball back to start the second quarter and will look to win round two as well.
Second Quarter Thoughts:
Clemson gets good field position from the FSU punt, and is on the move early. They pick up an early first down on a wheel route to Phil Mafah and then Superman, I mean Tyler Brown hauls in a big catch over the middle of the field. He came off the field and went to the medical tent where they are presumably looking at his shoulder. We will know more on that later. Cade Klubnik lines up under center and takes the QB sneak for a 1 yard touchdown.
Tyler Brown comes out of the tent with his helmet on right as Cade Klubnik crosses the goal line. Clemson leads 10-0 with 11:33 left in the half.
Florida State takes the ball all the way down the field on their next drive and Jordan Travis finds Keon Coleman in the endzone for their first score of the day. Clemson still leads 10-7 with 5:10 left in the half.
Clemson comes out after the Florida State touchdown and is moving the ball at will. Troy Stellato has two big catches so far on the drive, Cade had a big scramble to escape pressure, and then a few plays later hit Briningstool on the wheel route. The next play was a handoff that got a few yards. FSU would take a timeout and on the very next play from scrimmage, Cade would find Will Shipley on an angle route over the middle of the field for a touchdown. Clemson extends the lead 17-7 with 2:12 in the half. This next drive will maybe be the most important in the game. If Clemson can find a way to keep FSU off the scoreboard and take this 10 point lead to the locker room it would be massive.
Florida State would be helped out on the next drive by the referees and quickly got the ball into the redzone. And would punch it in on 3rd and 1. The score going into halftime will be 17-14 Clemson.
At the end of the first half I was pleased overall with the team. The final FSU drive was a little concerning but they were aided by the refs multiple times on the drive. FSU will get the ball to start the second half and we will see what the Tigers defense can do.
Offensive Stat Leaders At The Half:
Cade Klubnik – 13-18 190 yards 1 touchdown passing, and 1 rushing touchdown
Will Shipley 9 carries 23 yards (1 receiving touchdown)
Tyler Brown – 3 catches 62 yards
Third Quarter Thoughts:
On the first play of the second half, FSU takes a shot and hits Johnny Wilson for a 42 yard gain. The defense would step up and hold the Seminoles to a field goal attempt from 48 yards. FSU drills the field goal to tie the game at 17 with 12 minutes left in the third quarter.
For the defense to come away with only giving up a field goal after the opening play went for 42 yards, was big time.
Clemson cant get much going after an opening play first down and will have to punt the ball away.
The Clemson defense comes up with a BIG stop and gets the ball back on their own 23 yard line. Cade Klubnik showing off his improv skills and picks up 17 for a big time play.
I feel like I haven’t given enough credit to Troy Stellato but he has really helped this offense out since getting some more regular playing time. Cade Klubnik finds Stellato for 12 yards to pick up a crucial first down to keep the drive going.
CADE KLUBNIK showing some big time poise in the pocket and staying in there to deliver a strike to Jake Briningstool over the middle while the defensive end is coming off the edge almost unblocked to deliver a big hit. Clemson has the ball first and goal at the one yard line. Two plays later, Will Shipley punches it in the endzone for his first rushing touchdown of the year, and it gives Clemson the lead 24-17 with 3:32 left in the third quarter.
Clemson defense steps up AGAIN and forces a 3 and out. Tigers take over on their own 25.
Phil Mafah takes the first play of the drive 46 yards to the FSU 29 yard line. Two plays later Cade Klubnik is blown up by an untouched rusher and FSU gets a scoop and score to tie the game at 24. Will Shipley with a big first down rush for 17 yards to take the game into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter Thoughts:
Clemson gets the ball down near their own endzone and cant get anything going. Aiden Swanson absolutely BLASTS a punt of 62 yards down to the FSU 18-yard line. The score still tied at 24 with 8:18 left.
Stop me when you’ve heard this before. Clemson’s defense has come up with another big stop and it’s capped off with a Xavier Thomas sack. Clemson regains possession at their own 44-yard line with 7:03 left in the game.
Clemson drives deep into FSU territory and drains the clock to 1:45 left. Dabo sends in Jonathan Weitz to kick a go-ahead FG and he pulls if left. Score remains tied at 24.
FSU cant pick up a late 4th down to get inside of FG range and we are headed to OT tied at 24.
Overtime Thoughts:
Florida State hits Keon Coleman early in the possession for a touchdown. FSU leads 31-24.
Clemson gets down to a 3rd and 1 and the offense calls a questionable screen play that loses a yard and gives the Tigers a 4th and 2. Cade Klubnik overthrows Beaux Collins on a slant route to end the game. Florida State takes the game 31-24 in overtime.
Clemson falls to 2-2 on the season.
