Florida State’s Halloween night went sideways fast, and Clemson made sure it stayed that way.
The Tigers beat the Seminoles 36-24 on Saturday, handing Florida State its third straight loss while Ashton Daniels endured a nightmare of his own with four turnovers. The game had plenty of noise before kickoff, too, after an angry Florida State fan base hired a plane to fly over Doak Campbell Stadium with a banner that read “ FSU FIRE MIKE NOVELL-PETER COLLINS.” Fans had raised at least $2500.00 for the message, though they misspelled Mike Norvell’s name.
The boos started early, and Florida State gave the crowd little reason to quiet down. Through its first three offensive possessions, the Seminoles managed just five total yards, no rushing yards and no points. Then Daniels finally hit a big one, uncorking a 46-yard touchdown pass to Michai Danzy on the fourth possession of the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.
That was one of the few clean moments for Florida State in the first half. The offense later settled for a 35-yard Gabe Panikoski field goal to make it 10-10, but the next drive turned ugly.
Daniels threw in the direction of Duce Robinson and was picked off for his ninth interception of the season. Clemson took advantage, with Reynolds finding Olsen Patt-Henry for a touchdown on second-and-goal from the 4-yard line to push the Tigers ahead 20-10.
Florida State’s first-half numbers told the story. The Seminoles had 35 rushing yards, went 0-for-5 on third down, and Daniels was 6-of-13 for 98 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Clemson also turned those mistakes into 10 points.
The second half brought more of the same. Clemson added a field goal in the third quarter, then Daniels coughed up the football on a drive where Florida State was moving the chains. It was his third turnover of the game, and Clemson responded with another field goal from 49 yards out to stretch the margin to 29-10.
Florida State did finally show some life after that. Daniels ran for a touchdown, and the Seminoles added a two-point conversion to trim the deficit to 29-18.
They weren’t done yet. Daniels connected with Jason Lopez on a 41-yard touchdown pass, pulling Florida State within 29-24, though the two-point try failed.
But Clemson slammed the door on the next possession. Reynolds broke free for a 79-yard touchdown run, the Tigers’ longest run of the season and the longest run in 20 years, to make it 36-24.
Robinson left the game in the third quarter and did not return. Florida State finished 1-of-10 on third down, was held scoreless in the third quarter, and rushed for 65 yards at 2.2 yards per carry. The Seminoles did hit on five passes of 20 yards or more, but Clemson never turned the ball over.
Daniels still piled up 350 passing yards and accounted for three touchdowns, but the four turnovers defined the night.
In Other News...
FSU May Be Getting Needed Defensive Help At The Perfect Time
Florida States defense may be getting a timely boost as the Seminoles head into Saturday nights rivalry game with Clemson, a matchup carrying plenty of weight for both sides after recent underperformance. The latest injury update brought some encouraging news, with linebackers Chris Jones and Caleb LaVallee and defensive back Jordan Crutchfield now expected to be available.
The Seminoles also tweaked the status of defensive back K.J. Kirkland and added defensive back Charles Lester III and kicker Conor McAneney to the availability report, leaving a little more clarity but not a full picture just yet. Against a Clemson team dealing with its own pressure, any added depth on defense could matter, especially in a game where Florida State needs to steady itself and make sure the right pieces are on the field when it counts. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Faces A Clemson Test It Desperately Needs To Pass
Florida State gets a chance to reset the conversation Saturday when Clemson comes to Doak Campbell Stadium for an ACC matchup that suddenly carries a lot more weight than the records might suggest. The Seminoles are 3-4 under Mike Norvell, and with Clemson sitting at 4-3 under Dabo Swinney, this has the feel of a game both programs can use as a turning point in late October.
The setting only adds to the pressure, with kickoff set for Halloween night in Tallahassee and the game slated for the ACC Network with Wes Durham, Max Browne and Madison Fitzpatrick on the call. For Florida State, the challenge is obvious: handle a familiar league heavyweight at home and give itself something tangible to build on as the season moves into its final stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Gets A Clemson Test Fans Have Been Waiting On
Halloween night at Doak Campbell Stadium brings the kind of matchup Florida State fans have circled for years, with Clemson coming to Tallahassee for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Oct. 31. The Seminoles still hold a 21-17 edge in the all-time series, but the recent history has leaned heavily the other way, with Clemson winning nine of the last 10 meetings.
There will be plenty of attention on quarterback Ashton Daniels and what Florida State can get done under the lights, but the night also carries a ceremonial note. The program is set to recognize Peter Warricks induction into the College Football Hall of Fame during the game, adding another layer to a matchup that already has the feel of an important ACC measuring stick. [Read more 🡒]