By : Ernest Mari
(Photo/Ernest Mari-The Mojo Network)
Clemson finally had a night in Death Valley that felt familiar again. The Tigers ended their home losing streak with a much needed 24 to 10 win over Florida State, a result that offered relief in a season filled with frustration. For the first time since October of last year, Clemson defeated a Power Four opponent at Memorial Stadium, breaking a six-game drought against top-level competition. The crowd responded with energy from the opening kick, giving the team the spark it had been missing.
Coach Dabo Swinney did not hide what the win meant to him. He reminded everyone that any victory over Florida State carries weight, no matter the records. Clemson had been outgained on paper, but the Tigers finally caught a few breaks, especially on the defensive side where mistakes in recent weeks had cost them late. Cade Klubnik finished the night with an efficient performance, completing 19 of 26 passes with one touchdown through the air and another on a keeper. Freshman safety Ricardo Jones sealed the game with a late interception as Clemson’s defense delivered one of its most complete outings in a month.
What started the summer as a potential top-25 matchup turned into something much different by November. Both teams entered the night fighting to stay alive in their pursuit of a bowl game, and Clemson needed a home win badly after coming up short in Week 2 and again throughout the fall. The Tigers must now win two of their last three games to secure postseason eligibility.
Florida State faces the same situation after a night filled with missed chances. The Seminoles finished with 360 yards of offense but struggled in the moments that mattered. Costly drops, a missed field goal and a handful of penalties erased opportunities that could have altered the outcome. Clemson, meanwhile, played with confidence and urgency, grabbing its first win in nearly a month.
Swinney said the team would enjoy the moment, but the turnaround must be quick with a road trip to Louisville waiting on Friday night. The mood was noticeably lighter as he reminded reporters that Clemson has now won nine of the last ten meetings with the Seminoles.
How the game unfolded
Clemson jumped out early with an 18 to 0 start that set the tone. Klubnik finished off a 75-yard drive with a short rushing score, and Clemson converted a two-point try minutes later on a run from holder Clay Swinney. A fumble recovery in the red zone stalled an early FSU chance, and Clemson immediately struck back with a trick play. Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams on a flea-flicker that went 34 yards for a touchdown. Nolan Hauser then pushed the lead further with a 40-yard field goal.
Florida State broke through just before halftime with a seven-yard touchdown from Tommy Castellanos to Lawayne McCoy. The sequence included an overturned interception and a lengthy review, but the Seminoles cut the lead to 18 to 7 at the break.
FSU opened the second half with a missed field goal, while Clemson responded with another Hauser kick to extend the lead. The Tigers added one more field goal early in the fourth quarter to reach 24 to 7. Florida State moved the ball on a late drive but settled for a long kick after a personal foul pushed the offense backward.
Afterward, FSU coach Mike Norvell summed up the night by saying his team did not capitalize on the chances it had and Clemson did.
A much needed defensive response
Clemson’s defense had struggled in its previous two games, giving up more than 850 yards combined. Florida State came in averaging more than 510 yards and led the nation in total offense. That dynamic did not show early, as the Seminoles recorded only 66 yards until their late first-half touchdown march. They produced nearly 200 more after halftime but could not turn those yards into points.
There were still a few breakdowns. A coverage bust on fourth and short left Randy Pittman Jr. wide open on a wheel route, but the pass was dropped. A handful of other drops also slowed the Seminoles, yet Clemson’s defense still forced four punts, two turnovers and a pair of fourth-down stops. Unlike the previous week, Clemson did not give up any explosive plays, with the longest FSU gain measuring 35 yards.
Linebacker Wade Woodaz said the key was everyone doing their job rather than pressing for big plays.
What comes next
Clemson travels to Louisville for a Friday night matchup at 7:30 p.m. inside L and N Federal Credit Union Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN as the Tigers look to build on one of their most complete outings of the season.