College Football
Clemson Annihilates Florida State 59-10
Clemson fans had plenty to cheer about Saturday afternoon as they molly-whopped Florida State 59-10 in their own house! Florida State was a 17 point underdog heading into Saturday’s showdown with Clemson and kept it close in the first quarter. Then in the second quarter Clemson’s offense came alive and the beat down was on. Clemson would score 52 points in the second and third quarter. Florida State would only muster 10 points of offense. Clemson would hand Florida State their worst home loss in program history.
Clemson Review
Everything seemingly fell into place for Clemson after the first quarter. Freshman starting QB Trevor Lawrence had a shaky start, failing to lead a scoring drive in the first quarter. However, the flood gates would be unleashed in the second and third quarters as Lawrence threw four touchdown passes and over 300 yards for the second consecutive game. Travis Etienne was kept in check most of the game finishing with 45 yards rushing on 10 carries. Amari Rogers led the receivers with two touchdown receptions and over 156 yards receiving. Clemson’s offense would roll up over 524 yards of total offense against the Seminoles.
Clemson’s defense was dominant from the get go. The Tigers only allowed 247 yards of total offense (268 passing, -21 rushing), forced two turnovers, and sacked the Florida State QB five times. Fun fact: Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins got his first career rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Florida State Review
Florida State made things tough on the Tigers in the first quarter but could not capitalize on offense to make this a game. Starting QB Deondre Francois was harassed and beaten all day by the Clemson defense. Francois would end the day with 180 yards passing and an interception. The running game was nonexistent for the Seminoles as they finished with -21 yards rushing. Florida State was able to get their only touchdown in the fourth quarter with a James Blackman 73 yard pass to Keyshawn Helton.
The Seminoles did not have an answer on defense after the first quarter. The Florida State pass rush would get to the Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence only to see him rocket out the ball. Florida State was seemingly outclassed matching up against Clemson and this loss will sting for a while.
Overall Thoughts
Outside of the first quarter on offense, Clemson looked dominant. If Clemson can keep putting out these team performances, they are going to be a tough to beat. Clemson’s November schedule is far from a guaranteed win out, but they will be favored in every game. I look for Boston College to be their toughest game remaining. Meanwhile, Clemson hosts Louisville next week at high noon.
Florida State has had an awful start to Head Coach Willie Taggart’s tenure, but the team seems to be in a better spot than at the beginning of the year. The sting from this loss will hurt but maybe it will serve as a wake up call for this team. How will Florida State football respond from here? The good news is they seemingly can’t sink any lower. Florida State travels to NC State next Saturday for their next matchup.
What did you think of Saturday’s game between Clemson and Florida State? Should Florida State be worried about the future?
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