The #1 Clemson Tigers have leaned on their defense all year long in their ascent up the College Football Playoff ladder. So, it's fitting that it is the D which kept the Tigers' dreams of an undefeated season and College Football Playoff berth alive in Death Valley on Saturday.
Clemson LB Ben Boulware stood #16 Florida State Seminoles RB Dalvin Cook up on a key 4th-and-1 attempt in Clemson territory with six minutes left, the Tigers offense cashed in with a game-sealing drive, and the Tigers have clinched the Atlantic Division and a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a 23-13 home victory.
It was a game of field position all day long, as both offenses struggled to gain traction for the majority of the afternoon. However, it was Clemson QB Deshaun Watson who shined when it counted, leading the Tigers into FSU territory after Boulware's critical tackle with an array of clutch throws. Tigers RB Wayne Gallman would cash it in from there, taking advantage of a missed assignment by Florida State LB Reggie Northrup on a 25-yard TD run right through the heart of the Seminoles defense.
That extended Clemson's lead to 23-13 and secured what stands as the biggest regular-season win for the Tigers in recent history.
As for Florida State, the offense was plagued by false starts and missed opportunities on Saturday, especially in the second half where they only tallied a third-quarter field goal. Clemson's defensive line sealed the edges nicely throughout the second half, containing Dalvin Cook nicely while keeping Florida State QB Sean Maguire in check.
Clemson (9-0) ends a three-game losing streak to FSU, giving them plenty of momentum heading into next week's game at Syracuse. Florida State (7-2) will have to regroup for next week's game against NC State.
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