Clemson holds off FSU, has open path to playoff

Games like these define programs and Clemson was not about to let the opportunity slip away.

Rallying after easily its worst half of the season, Clemson appeared to secure its No. 1 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings for another week with a 23-13 win over Florida State before 83,099 fans in Death Valley and a national television audience.

Down by four points at halftime against a team stomped its heart each of the past two seasons, Clemson ran its record to 9-0 by patiently picking at the Florida State defense. Wayne Gallman iced the game with a 25-yard touchdown run with 2:34 to play as Clemson wore down the FSU defense. Both Gallman and quarterback DeshaunWatson rushed for more than 100 yards, and tight end Jordan Leggett caught six passes for 101 yards, both career highs.

After struggling in the first half, Watson finished 28 of 42 passing for 297 yards, including a touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett. Watson rushed 16 times for a team-high 107 yards.

Clemson totaled 512 yards and, after allowing 203 in the first half, the nation’s No. 5 defense limited FSU to 159 in the second half, more importantly tethering Cook.

Subtle hadn’t been Florida State’s offensive identity in its last two visits to Death Valley. Two years ago Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston embarrassed Clemson, and Cook announced his presence quickly with similar malice Saturday, blowing through the Clemson defense for 75 yards and a 7-0 lead 45 seconds into the game.

Cook rushed for more than 150 yards in the first half, but there weren’t many alternatives for the Seminoles. Though he finished with 194 yards on 21 carries, it was Clemson’s ability to limit him the final half that gave Watson and Gallman chances.

Frequently victimized by penalties, FSU quarterback Sean McGuire completed 16 of 29 passes for 164 yards and rarely had time to stretch the field. FSU was penalized nine times for 65 yards.

Held without a touchdown in the first half for the first time, Clemson trailed 10-6 as Watson Watson struggled to manufacture pace and rhythm, overthrowing three passes and having three knocked down at the line of scrimmage.

The defining play of the half came near the end of the second quarter with Clemson trailing by a touchdown in the final minute. On third down at the FSU 7-yard line, Watson inexplicably spiked the ball to stop the clock. Greg Huegel kicked a 25-yard field goal with 29 seconds to play, and Clemson trailed 10-6 at the half.

Clemson led for the first time in the third quarter when Watson hit Deon Cain on a toss screen for 36 yards and a touchdown, making it, 13-10, with 10:01 to play in the third.

Roberto Aguayo, the greatest kicker in ACC history, nailed a 41-yard field goal nearly four minutes later to tie the score, 13-13, with 6:15 to play in the third. But Huegel kicked his third from 34 yards to make it 16-13 with 7:23 to play in the game.

The last Clemson team to begin its season 9-0 was the national championship season in 1981. Coach Dabo Swinney’s teams are now 13-16 against top 25 opponents.

The Tigers clinched at least a share of the ACC Atlantic Division title. The Tigers wrap up the conference schedule with games at Syracuse and here with Wake Forest the next two weeks.

TURNING POINT

Remaining patient, Clemson pecked at the FSU defense in the second half driving 80, 75 and 60 yards with screens to the receivers and quick passes to Leggett.

THREE POINTS

Star of the game: With FSU capping Clemson’s big-play potential to its deep receiving corps, Leggett had a career game with six catches for 101 yards.

Stat of the game: After Cook rushed for 157 yards in the first half, Clemson limited the FSU back to 37 in the second half.

Play of the game: Gallman’s 25-yard touchdown with 2:34 to play put the game out of reach.

OBSERVATIONS

Finding a way: This was going to happen eventually, yet Clemson again found a way to win. The home field was an advantage.

Watson still young: Mistakes happen, and though everybody thought Watson was infallible, he showed his inexperience in the first half then corrected it.

Carolina next big obstacle: On paper it’s a mismatch, but with the game in Columbia is all most fans will talk about the next three weeks.

UP NEXT

Who: Clemson vs. Syracuse

When: TBA, Sept. 14

Where: Carrier Dome

TV: TBA

This story was originally published November 7, 2015 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Clemson holds off FSU, has open path to playoff."