Revenge Delivered: Clemson Tigers Get Win Over Seminoles

© Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The 15th-ranked Clemson Tigers (4-1, 3-0) traveled to Tallahassee, Fla. to battle their Atlantic Coast Conference rivals in the Florida State Seminoles (1-5, 1-4). The result was the Clemson Tigers earning the victory 29-13 on Oct. 5.In the 37th overall meeting, the two schools have been on very different paths with Clemson riding a three-game win streak while the Seminoles have lost four of their first five games a season removed from winning the ACC Title.

What Happened in the Game

Entering the game as a double-digit favorites, the Tigers and quarterback Cade Klubnik jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. Tigers running back Phil Mafah recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season. Klubnik connected for touchdown passes to receivers Antonio Williams and T.J Moore as he went 19-for-33 and 235 yards. The teams entered halftime with Clemson leading convincingly 23-7. Offensively, head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers may have a few more questions after recording 500 yards of offense and only finding the end zone two times. Defensively, the Tigers' dynamic duo of linebackers Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz were everywhere, covering sideline-to-sideline and attacking the line of scrimmage. The duo had 15 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup between them.

For the Seminoles, after announcing that quarterback DJ Uiagalelei would miss the game due to a broken finger, redshirt freshman Brock Glenn was tabbed as the starter. While the offense did seem to play better overall, self-inflicted wounds hurt any momentum the offense was building. For Glenn, he showed promise and an energy that Uiagalelei had not shown in his five starts this season. Glenn finished the game 23-for-41 for 228 yards 2 touchdowns and an interception. The defense for the Seminoles took major strides in holding the Tigers' offense to their second-lowest point total of the season. Special teams came up with not one, but two blocked field goals in the game which helped keep the game within reach.

Turning Point

While the game was never truly close, the Seminoles were building something. After Glenn connected with receiver Ja'Khi Douglas for a touchdown to make the score 23-13, FSU missed the two-point conversion. The following possession by the Tigers saw Mafah take the ball on first down 59 yards to the 16-yard line of the Seminoles. The Tigers' offensive line created the initial opening and Mafah used his speed to separate from the defenders.

What It Means for the Tigers?

Exacting a bit of revenge after the Seminoles won the matchup in 2023, the Tigers solidified their hold as one of the top teams in the ACC. After an off-season last year where the Tigers didn't make the College Football Playoff, the Tigers continue to show they are focused on reclaiming the conference title. While not a perfect showing by the Tigers team, they have a lot of weapons that could take over games for the team and help them win games. Tonight it was running back Phil Mafah. The Tigers next play Wake Forest (2-3, 1-1) on Oct. 12.

© Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Where Do the Seminoles Go From Here?

The Seminoles took several steps in the right direction during this game. The offense played with a fire that hadn't been seen this season. Despite the miscues, specifically the bad snaps, which are correctable, the Seminoles may have found the quarterback for the offense head coach Mike Norvell wants to run. The duo of freshman tight end Landen Thomas and sophomore Hykeem Williams showed promise in working with Glenn. The Seminoles next travel to Durham, N.C. for their game against the Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1) on Oct. 18.