FSU football overcomes Clemson in overtime for first win since 2014

FSU football got off to a sluggish start for the second consecutive game but managed to defeat the Clemson Tigers 31-24 for the first time since 2014.

Clemson received the ball first, but the FSU defense forced a punt on their first possession. The FSU offense was in a prime position to quiet the crowd but looked out of sync early, with Keon Coleman dropping a big third-down pass. The Clemson offense marched down the field for a field goal, with the FSU defense missing several tackles when they had opportunities to get off the field on third down.

The FSU offense promptly went three-and-out and gave Clemson the ball at midfield, which Clemson converted into a touchdown for a 10-0 lead with 11:33 remaining. The FSU offense finally came to life with a must-have touchdown 15-play 75-yard drive to trim the lead to 10-7 on a seven-yard pass to Keon Coleman.

However, the FSU defense looked like Swiss cheese as Clemson scored a touchdown on a seven-play 71-yard drive to push their lead to 17-7 with 2:12 remaining. The FSU offense knew they could get two for one as they would receive the ball first in the second half. FSU went 75 yards on five plays, topped off with a two-yard touchdown run by Jordan Travis to trim the lead to 17-14 at the half.

FSU hit an explosive pass to Johnny Wilson on the first play of the second half but settled for a 48-yard field goal to tie the game 17-17. The FSU offense wasted a prime opportunity to take the lead and punted after a three-and-out. Clemson went down the field on several missed tackles and a facemask penalty.

Clemson connected a on big pass play to the one-yard line as the FSU blitz got to the QB a tenth of a second too late. Clemson punched it in from the one-yard line for the 24-17 lead with 3:32 remaining. Clemson hit a huge explosive run to move into FSU territory on their next possession.

However, a huge hit on Clemson QB Cade Klubnik forced a fumble, and FSU picked up the ball and ran it back for a 56-yard touchdown. The FSU defense forced another punt on Clemson’s next possession, but the FSU offense couldn’t capitalize as Jaheim Bell couldn’t haul in a huge pass he should have caught on that possession.

FSU punter Alex Mastramanno pinned Clemson on their three-yard line with a beautiful 51-yard punt with 11:08 remaining. The FSU defense got off the field once again, forcing a punt with FSU taking over from their 18-yard line. FSU took to vertical passes downfield that were nowhere near open, a common occurrence this year.

A holding penalty backed FSU up to its nine-yard line. It was third and 19, and Jordan Travis held the ball forever before taking a sack. Alex Mastramanno punted the ball 59 yards, with Clemson taking over at the Clemson 44-yard line with 6:56 remaining. The FSU defense forced third and six, and the ACC referees threw an incredibly late flag for defensive pass interference on a pass that wasn’t catchable.

Clemson moved the ball into field goal range, but the FSU defense forced a field goal, and the kicker missed a 29-yard field goal. The FSU offense got the ball with 1:49 remaining and hit a huge pass play on first down, with Johnny Wilson grabbing a pass with his finger tips. FSU converted a third and nine on another catch by Johnny Wilson. FSU got to third and 10 once again, but couldn’t convert on a pass to Johnny Wilson.

It was fourth and 10 with 18 seconds remaining, and couldn’t convert on the pass, but a flag for defensive pass interference should have been thrown. Clemson took possession on their 39-yard line with 12 second remaining and ran the ball, but time expired. FSU received the ball first in overtime and scored a touchdown on a 24-yard reception by Keon Coleman to take the lead 31-24.

It was the first time FSU led in the game. The FSU defense stopped Clemson on their possession and the Noles pull out the win!