No. 3 Clemson escapes again, 37-34 at Florida State
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Breaking down No. 3 Clemson’s 37-34 win at No. 14 Florida State:
THE BIG PICTURE: In what has become a familiar refrain during a frustrating yet still perfect season, Clemson weathered its own bouts with inconsistency and ineffectiveness to defeat Florida State and remain among the few unbeaten teams still standing at the end of October.
The Seminoles revealed the Tigers’ inherent issues, from sloppy line play through a puzzling inability to rediscover the offensive momentum that defined the team’s 2015 season. There were moments when Clemson looked like a top-four team in college football. There were moments when the Tigers looked anything but invincible. It felt familiar.
Yet the Tigers managed to survive, highlighting a crucial point: No matter how you cut it, Clemson is on the road to the College Football Playoff. At 8-0 and with a smooth road from here, the Tigers are in prime position to charge at the national championship.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT: Clemson is still facing the same questions that have dogged the team since early September. Where’s the consistency? The energy? The production?
There’s good news and bad news. The good: Despite the issues, Clemson is unbeaten. The bad: The flaws must be addressed for the Tigers to be considered among the elite of college football.
The next month won’t bring stiff tests — Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest and South Carolina — but Clemson clearly must round into form before the ACC title game in early December.
KEY PLAY: The key play was a late catch and throw from Watson to an uncovered Jordan Leggett, who leleaped apt over a potential FSU tackle and into the end zone to give the Tigers a 37-34 lead with just over two minutes left.
The go-ahead score wouldn’t have happened without a blitz pickup by running back Wayne Gallman, however. His ability to chip a rushing FSU defender freed Watson for the extra second needed to step up and find Leggett.
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Gallman has spent his career in Deshaun Watson’s shadow, doing the dirty work as the Tigers’ second fiddle without the acclaim bestowed upon his Heisman-worthy teammate. Yet he’s been a driving force for the Tigers, as evidenced during the second half against FSU.
He finished with 82 yards and two scores on 20 carries, alternating touches with Watson to wobble the Seminoles’ defense. Gallman showed no worse for wear after a concussion suffered two weeks ago.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 9
