Clemson beat Florida State 34-28 in a not as close as the score indicated game. At no point during the 2nd half did it feel like FSU could actually the win game except for a moment during the onsides kick. Clemson went up 34-14, then cruised a little too early.
That said the Tigers are showing all the pieces that could lead them to ACC Title, and a possible playoff bid.
Florida State is a flawed team, but a dangerous one. At times they look like a top 25 team, at other times a lower-tier ACC team.
They have trouble putting a full 60 minutes together, and tonight was no different. They were tied at 14-14 in the 2nd quarter before getting 20 unanswered points scored against them, before scoring the last 14. That’s the Noles in a nutshell.
Clemson had to withstand the FSU runs, and that’s what they did. Clemson themselves is looking to become a complete team.
Dabo Swinney could not have been happy with the way the Tigers finished Saturday, nearly letting a game they controlled slip away.
Here’s the good news though. Are there really any concerns about QB DJ Uiagalelei anymore? He’s the guy at QB, and he’s become a reliable solid QB. The offensive line has shown toughness and has gotten better. RB Will Shipley is a physical back. The offense as a whole is light years better than last year, even lacking a certain level of explosiveness.
The defense I think is where the most improvement can still be made. DC Wes Goodwin appears to still be learning on the job, but in fairness, he hasn’t had a fully healthy unit. Tonight was as close as we’ve seen all year. It’s going to take a little time for cohesion to be built up, but we know it’s a very talented group.
Suprising 6-0 top 20 Syracuse is a big test next week, but if Clemson plays to their potential on both sides of the ball they can make the playoffs. We’ve seen more and more flashes of that with each passing week.
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