Klubnik, Williams shines in impressive first half against the Seminoles
Following consecutive home losses, the Tigers come out angry with a convincing first half performance. Antonio Williams shines, and Clemson is able to capitalize on mistakes from FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
Clemson opens the game with an impressive 13 play, 75 yard touchdown drive that ends with a five yard QB draw from Cade Klubnik. The Tigers special teams decided to attempt to sneak in a fake PAT, with holder Clay Swinney successfully running it in for the two points. What followed was one of the more boring and unimportant collections of possessions this season. Seven total possessions from both teams lead to six three and out’s and one turnover. Outside of the inaugural touchdown drive, the only thing notable in the first twenty minutes of the game was a dropped snap from Tommy Castellanos, recovered by transfer Jeremiah Alexander.
The Tigers defense does an impressive job at containing Florida State, keeping Castellanos from using his legs, and allowing him to show his inconsistencies as a passer.
Clemson finally broke the streak of dormant offense, capitalizing on an FSU turnover on downs with a two play, 39 yard touchdown drive. Antonio Williams caught a jump ball in the end zone, for his second touchdown of the game, and arguably the most impressive touchdown catch of his career. After yet another three and out from Florida State, a field goal put Clemson up 18-0 with just over two minutes left in the half. Florida State drove down the field, and faced first and goal at the 7. A failed toe-tap interception from Khalil Barnes allowed the Seminoles to reach the end zone, with a seven yard touchdown pass from Lawayne McCoy. The Tigers run out the final thirty seconds of the half, and go into the break with an eleven point lead.
Florida State will receive to start the second half, looking to make up for their lackluster performance in the first. ESPN gives Clemson a 82% chance to take home the victory, and let’s hope the Tigers are able to close it out.
