Clemson football needed that!
The Tigers finally won a game, against a Power 4 opponent, and did it at Death Valley where it had won just once this season when they defeated Florida State 24-10 on Saturday. It was a ray of light in an otherwise gloomy season full of despaire.
And it was needed in the worst way.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Clemson Tigers | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Football
The fans were electric under the lights, and offense was steady and methodical, and the much-maligned defense turned in one of its best performances of the season. It was a complete effort, more or less, and a win that relieved the weight of the world off the shoulders of Dabo Swinney and the rest of the Clemson football team.
It has been refreshing that, in the last two games, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley has fully committed to the run game, and the results have been immediately beneficial. Further, integrating freshman running back Gideon Davidson into the offense, which I have clamored for all season, has also proven effective the last two weeks.
Against SMU, Clemson running backs logged just 10 carries. Against Florida State, they chalked up 36. The Tigers rushed for just 98 total yards, but it was the willingness to keep the ball on the ground consistently that opened the passing game for Cade Klubnik and the receivers. Klubnik finished the game with 221 passing yards and no interceptions.
Clemson football is just better when it runs the football. Period.
Then there is the defense. The Tigers bent but did not break, which is a far sight better than the results born out over an abjectly disappointing season. Tommy Castellanos completed just 23 of his 43 pass attempts and had just one touchdown throw. For a beleaguered Clemson secondary, it was among their best showings of the season.
The defensive front seven also came to play. The defensive line constantly harassed Castellanos and held Florda State to a nominal 110 rushing yards and just 4.2 yards per carry. Again, a far better effort for a Clemson football team that has consistently underperformed to its preseason expectations.
By no means have all the issues been fixed, but last Saturday was a step in the right direction. If Clemson football is going to revert back to its winning ways, the Tigers have at least begun to re-implement the blueprint to making it happen. It is yet to be seen how much difference it makes in the overall finish to the 2025 season, but at least positive change seems to be happening.
Maybe it was a come to Jesus meeting between Swinney, his staff, and players. Perhaps pride finally kicked in. Either way, it was a fine sight to see as the Tigers stood on business on their home field against one of their most hated rivals.
As Louisville looms this Friday, it will be one of the strongest tests the Tigers have faced since early in the season against an explosive team capable of scoring in a hurry. If Clemson is to have any chance at a victory, they must follow the same game plan they have shown the past two weeks on offense, while continuing to improve defensively.
Heck, if Cal can beat Louisville, then Clemson darn sure can! If the Tigers come away with a win this week, it will all but guarantee bowl eligibility with Furman waiting to finish out the home slate.
That and a win over South Carolina are the only two things left to salvage the 2025 season. But to right the ship, the Tigers had to start somewhere. Beating Florida State was as good a place as any.
