It’s hard to find the right words for what this season has been for both Clemson and Florida State other than, well, disappointing. These were two programs that entered 2025 expecting to duke it out for ACC supremacy, maybe even a playoff spot. Instead, they’ve spent the fall trading frustration and fan angst like it’s currency.
For Clemson, inconsistency has been the theme. A sputtering offense one week, a leaky defense the next, and the trademark sharpness of the Swinney era has been tough to spot. As for Florida State, a preseason top-10 team having beaten Alabama in Week 1 and now grasping for momentum, the Seminoles have been their own worst enemy with turnovers, penalties, and an identity crisis on both sides of the ball.
Now, these two traditional powers meet in Death Valley, each trying to prove there’s still something left to salvage. Pride, I guess. Progress? Maybe even a little hope. It’s not the matchup anyone expected back in August, but it’s suddenly one of the most fascinating with two fallen ACC giants trying to remember and gain back who they are.
Here is a look at everything you will need to know about the Tiger’s Week 11 Opponent, the Florida State Seminoles:
Florida State Seminoles
School Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Game Location: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium
Time: 7PM; ACC Network
2025 Record – 4-4; (1-4 ACC)
Wins Against: Alabama, East Texas A&M, Kent State, Wake Forest
Losses against: Virginia, Miami, Pitt, Stanford
Head Coach: Mike Norvell – 6th Season
Coach Mike Norvell has built Florida State back into a program with high expectations, but this season has tested every bit of that foundation. Known for his offensive mind and attention to detail, Norvell’s Seminoles usually play fast, physical, and confident. Yet, the crisp execution and swagger that defined his rise in Tallahassee have flickered in and out this year. Still, you can’t question the man’s drive. Norvell’s culture of toughness and accountability remains, even as the results have fallen short. He may be coaching for his job in 2026, but there’s no doubt, if given another year, that Coach Norvell will attack that transfer portal for a new crop of players.
Offense
Offensive Coordinator: Gus Malzahn – 1st year as OC – Previous: UCF HC
Coach Malzahn’s offense at Florida State is all about tempo, odd looks and downhill power. He unleashes a high-octane, run-first spread that leans on inside zone runs, play-action passes and pre-snap motion to create motion-driven mismatches. The passing game is efficient, not flashy; deep shots peppered among the throws, but the run game dictates the pace and the tone. He’s reviving his signature “Gus Bus” style with pace, physicality and formation wrinkles.
Florida State has averaged 40.0 points their first eight games of the season (7th; Clemson is 69th; 28.4 ppg) with 241.2 yards rushing per game (8th; Clemson is 109th) and 269.2 yards through the air (27th; Clemson: 12th) for a total of 510.5 yards of offense per game through eight games (1st; Clemson: 41st)
Here is a look at the projected starters for the Florida State Seminoles from their released depth chart as well as their 2025 statistics through their eight games:
| Quarterback | Tommy Castellanos (Boston College) | Senior | #1 | 89 rushes, 328 yds, 6 TDs | 112-182 (61%); 1878 yds, 10 TDs, 5 Ints |
| Running Back | Gavin Sawchuck (Oklahoma) | RS Junior | #27 | 93 rushes, 432 yds, 8 TDs | 9 catches, 102 yds, TD |
| Running Back | Samuel Singleton Jr. | RS Sophomore | #28 | 29 rushes, 258 yds, 4 TDs | |
| Wide Receiver | Duce Robinson (USC) | Junior | #0 | 34 catches, 689 yds, 4 TDs | |
| Wide Receiver | Squirrel White (Tennessee) | Senior | #4 | 5 catches 52 yds | |
| Wide Receiver | Micahi Danzy | RS Freshman | #19 | 8 rushes, 168 yds, 3 TDs | 21 catches, 503 yds, 2 TDs |
| Wide Receiver | Lawayne McCoy | Sophomore | #7 | 13 catches, 186 yds, TD | |
| Tight End | Randy Pittman Jr. (UCF) | Junior | #13 | 2 rushes, 9 yds | 16 catches, 129 yds, 2 TDs |
| Left Tackle | Gunnar Hansen (Vanderbilt) | RS Senior | #55 | ||
| Left Guard | Richie Leonard IV (Florida) | RS Senior | #67 | ||
| Center | Luke Petibon (Wake Forest) | RS Senior | #51 | ||
| Right Guard | Adrian Medley (UCF) | RS Senior | #76 | ||
| Right Tackle | Micah Pettus (Ole Miss) | RS Senior | #57 |
Defense
Defensive Coordinator: Tony White – 1st Year – Previous: Nebraska DC
Coach Tony White brings a fast-paced, attacking 3-3-5 scheme to Florida State Seminoles, with an emphasis on versatility, frequent blitzes and confusing looks for offenses. He demands physicality, precise fundamentals and accountability and under his watch the defense has consistently ranked among the nation’s best at stopping the run and holding opponents under 20 points.
The Florida State defense has given up 20.6 points through their eight games (33rd; Clemson: T-63rd). They have given up an average of 114.4 yards on the ground (29th; Clemson: 20th) and 202.9 yards through the air (43rd; Clemson: 102nd). The Seminoles are giving up a total of 317.2 yards thus far (26th; Clemson: 53rd).
Here is a look at the projected starters for the Noles on defense along with stats from the their first eight games:
| Defensive End | James Williams (Nebraska) | RS Junior | #10 | 12 tackles, 2 TFLs, 0.5 sack |
| Nose Tackle | Darrell Jackson Jr. (Miami/Maryland) | RS Senior | #6 | 26 tackles, 3 TFLs, sack |
| Defensive Tackle | Daniel Lyons | RS Junior | #5 | 15 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, FF |
| Defensive Tackle | Mandrell Desir | Freshman | #93 | 13 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 sacks |
| Defensive End | Deante McCray (Western Kentucky) | RS Junior | #8 | 15 tackles, 1.5 TFLs |
| Linebacker | Justin Cryer | Junior | #28 | 28 tackles, 4 TFLs, sack |
| Linebacker | Elijah Herring (Memphis/Tennessee) | Senior | #31 | 27 tackles, 2 TFLs, sack, Int |
| Jack Linebacker | Omar Graham Jr. | RS Junior | #9 | 25 tackles |
| Cornerback | Ja’Bril Rawls | RS Sophomore | #11 | 37 tackles, 2 TFLs, Int |
| Rover | Earl Little, Jr. (Alabama) | RS Junior | #0 | 52 tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 Ints |
| Safety | Ashlynd Barker (Iowa Western) | RS Junior | #27 | 27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks |
| Cornerback | Jerry Wilson (Houston/Syracuse) | Senior | #19 | 25 tackles, 2 Ints |
Special Teams
Here is a list of the specialists for the Seminoles along with statistics from the 2025 Season:
| Kicker | Jake Weinberg | RS Freshman | #22 | 8-10; long of 45 yds |
| Punter | Mac Chiumento | RS Junior | #43 | 44.8 yd avg; long of 56 yds |
| Punt Returner | Squirrel White | Senior | #4 | 10.3 yd avg; long of 23 yds |
| Kick Returner | Jaylin Lucas (Indiana) | RS Junior | #12 | 23.8 yd avg; long of 27 yds |
Turnover Margin
Florida State is Even (0) in turnover margin so far, having lost 6 fumbles and have picked off 5 opponent passes. They have recovered 1 opponent fumbles so far while losing 10 of them to their eight opponents for 11 takeaways and 11 turnovers.
Final Thought
Clemson and Florida State both came into this season dreaming of ACC glory, and now both are fighting for pride and proof that the culture still runs deep. The records may not sparkle, but this matchup still drips with history and emotion. It’s a test of resolve more than rankings. For Clemson, it’s about showing growth and grit. For Florida State, it’s about salvaging swagger. Somebody’s belief will get a boost. Somebody’s will be completely broken.
We can just hope it’s not our Tigers.
Let’s go. Spot the ball!
Go Tigers!
