Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney made history on Saturday night, becoming the all-time winningest coach in ACC history as his No. 15 Tigers cruised to a 29-13 victory over Florida State. Swinney secured his 174th career win at Clemson, surpassing legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden’s ACC record.
Sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik led the Tigers’ offense with 235 passing yards, throwing touchdown passes to Antonio Williams and T.J. Moore. Klubnik also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 62 yards. The Tigers set the tone early, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, and never looked back. Klubnik’s 57-yard bomb to Williams was a highlight as Clemson (4-1, 3-0 ACC) dominated both on the ground and through the air.
Running back Phil Mafah was a key contributor, rushing for 136 yards on 20 carries, helping Clemson rack up 265 rushing yards with an impressive 6.6 yards-per-carry average. The Tigers’ balanced offensive attack amassed a total of 500 yards, allowing them to control the line of scrimmage for much of the game.
Florida State (1-5, 1-4 ACC) struggled to find offensive rhythm, especially in the run game, finishing with just 22 rushing yards on 23 carries. Redshirt freshman quarterback Brock Glenn, making his third career start, threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Clemson’s relentless pressure. The Seminoles’ lack of a balanced attack put too much pressure on Glenn, and they were unable to mount a serious comeback.
Takeaways:
– Clemson: The Tigers flexed their dominance, especially in the trenches, controlling the line of scrimmage and dictating the pace of the game. With 500 yards of total offense, Clemson has now won four straight games in Tallahassee, a streak dating back to 2016.
– Florida State: The Seminoles’ offense lacked balance, as they were completely shut down on the ground for most of the game. Their inability to run the ball left redshirt freshman quarterback Brock Glenn exposed, making it difficult for Florida State to challenge Clemson’s defense.
This historic win not only solidified Swinney’s place in ACC history but also underscored Clemson’s continued dominance in the conference, setting the Tigers up for a strong push toward the postseason.
