Clemson vs Florida State: Highlights, score and recap

Clemson and Florida State played an absolute thriller at Doak Campbell Stadium, with the Tigers eventually emerging victorious.

Even though Clemson is undefeated, they’ve hardly been perfect. In their last game, they had to survive a missed field goal by NC State in order to keep their undefeated record. It’s why Florida State, despite being two losses behind Clemson, liked their chances. But Florida State hardly got past Wake Forest in their last game, turning the ball over four times in that contest.

Deshaun Watson made his first start for Clemson in Doak Campbell. Now, he’s trying to boost his Heisman and draft stock. And the Tigers set the tone early when they went for it on fourth down on their first drive. It led to an opening drive touchdown, putting FSU in an early hole.

The biggest mismatch in this game was Clemson’s pass rush against Florida State’s offensive line. Deondre Francois got sacked twice on the Seminoles’ opening drive, and was hit hard all game long. Obviously, in a game where Dalvin Cook scored three touchdowns, it didn’t matter much, but the ‘Noles really haven’t done a banner job of protecting their quarterback all season long.

The Seminoles finally got something going in the second quarter. Marquez White got an interception, while Dalvin Cook barreled in their first touchdown of the game. That came only seconds after he nearly fumbled it at the five-yard line. Clemson got points back not long after after turning an interception into a field goal but a touchdown pass to Nyqwan Murray made it an interesting contest at half time.

Clemson got the first points of the second half on a field goal, but Florida State was definitely in the bend-but-don’t-break mentality on that drive. The turning point came halfway through the third quarter, when Tavaris McFadden picked off Watson, and Cook immediately ran it in from 43 yards. He wasn’t done there, not even close. He would later break off a 70-yard touchdown to put Florida State up 28-20.

Not to be outdone, Wayne Gallman extended for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter. Considering he suffered a concussion in Clemson’s last game, that he played in this game at all was heroic. That he scored two touchdowns was superhuman. However, they couldn’t convert on the two-point attempt, meaning FSU retained the lead.

In a game where Francois was taking enormous punishment, he was finally taken out in the fourth after a big hit. Sean Maguire came in on the next play, and the fullback Freddie Stevenson got a big gain. That eventually set up a go-ahead touchdown by Dalvin Cook, his fourth of the game, but they failed on the two-point conversion. Remember that, because Clemson drove down the field right away, and Jordan Leggett scored from 34 yards out.

All the Seminoles needed was to get into field goal range. They did get there, but penalties took them right back out of it. Francois kept overthrowing his receivers, and the Clemson pass rush broke through for two straight sacks. The Tigers escape with yet another thrilling victory.

Three stars

Dalvin Cook – In a battle of number 4s, it was Florida State’s that reigned supreme. While Deshaun Watson cooled down after a great first quarter, Dalvin Cook woke up after a slow first half. In the second half, practically every carry he had resulted in a big play, and Clemson seemed powerless to stop him.

Deshaun Watson – But just when you think you can write off Watson, he comes right back. He had an outstanding fourth quarter, leading the Tigers back from an eight-point deficit once again (they trailed by eight against Louisville). He also had to overcome three lead changes in the final 15 minutes, but fought tooth-and-nail for the victory. Watson may not win the Heisman, but he’s the heart and soul of the Tigers, and is the reason why they’re undefeated.

Wayne Gallman – Gallman may not be as important to Clemson as Cook, but his loss was a big blow against NC State. When it was announced that he went through concussion protocol, his chances to play in this game seemed slim, but he suited up and scored two rushing touchdowns. He also converted on a big fourth down in the fourth quarter to set up a go-ahead field goal.

Highlights

What’s next

Clemson will take on Syracuse back at Death Valley next week. It should be a win for them, but given how close they’ve come against lesser opposition, and after an emotional win like this, it’ll hardly be a guarantee.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

Florida State will take on NC State on the road. They’ve had some tough losses to swallow, but this is arguably the hardest since they let this one get away from them. Their chances to win the Atlantic Division are over, but they can still try and secure a New Years’ Six bowl game.