Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009

Clemson-FSU: Thumbs up, thumbs down

THUMBS UP

Florida State's courage

The Seminoles did not kick away from C.J. Spiller in the first half. Spiller, who was averaging 38.7 yards per return entering the game, managed 23, 21 and 27 on three chances.

Clemson receiver Xavier Dye

The junior caught three first-half passes for 68 yards, one touchdown and a near-touchdown when he was brought down at the FSU 1-yard line on a 14-yard pass.

DeAndre McDaniel

His eighth interception of the season ended Florida State's gasp at a comeback in the fourth quarter and set up C.J. Spiller's 5-yard touchdown run to ice the game.

THUMBS DOWN

Clemson kicker Richard Jackson

Four missed kicks - two field goal attempts and a pair of failed extra points, including one that bounced off the right upright. Clemson even tried backup Spencer Benton after taking a 27-24 lead - and he missed, too.

Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder

His passing kept the Seminoles ahead until the fourth quarter, but four interceptions - notably his third, a head-scratching lob that was easily intercepted by Clemson's Rashard Hall to set up Clemson's go-ahead score - enabled the Tigers to pull out the win.

- Bob Gillespie

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