TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — At halftime, the No. 15 Clemson Tigers lead the Florida State Seminoles 23 – 7. Below is an analysis of play so far, with a fresh 30 minutes on the clock ahead:
Offense:
– Clemson has now held opponents scoreless in the first quarter of the first five games of the season, marking the first time this feat has been accomplished since 1990. Through the first 15 minutes of play, the scoring margin is 90-0 in favor of the Tigers.
– For the first time since playing the Georgia Bulldogs over a month ago, Clemson’s first drive ended in a three-and-out. Quarterback Cade Klubnik appeared eager to aim the ball deep, but his efforts were broken by short slant throws and a pass deflection on third down.
– After a slow start, the offense took off with several convincing 50+ yard drives. First came a two-play, 58-yard, 44-second scoring drive highlighted by the 57-yard connection from Klubnik to redshirt sophomore Antonio Williams, which saw him explode through double coverage and into the endzone. On the Tigers’ next possession, freshman T.J. Moore hauled in a 23-yard reception to end the drive at 50 yards in just over a minute.
– The Seminole front seven watched their tape, as they attempted to stifle the run game early on. They zeroed in on running back Phil Mafah, who was held to just 41 yards, averaging 3.7 per carry. Klubnik’s jets were not as limited, leading with 59 yards and a long of 27.
– Matt Luke’s offensive line looked solid, giving Klubnik ample time in the pocket to select his receivers; offensive coordinator Garrett Riley almost evenly distributed the rushing-passing play options at 21 and 24 respectively.
Defense:
— Barrett Carter picked up right where he left off in the team’s win over Stanford, getting to Florida State quarterback Brock Glenn for a sack on third down to force an opening three-and-out for the Seminoles.
— The Tigers began their feast on Glenn on the Seminoles’ third drive of the game. Glenn and his intended receiver seemed to not be on the same page, and the quarterback put it right in the hands of cornerback Avieon Terrell. The Tigers scored a touchdown from the interception a few plays later. Terrell recorded his second interception of the season.
— Florida State responded in the beginning of the second quarter, scoring a 15-yard touchdown from a Glenn pass to tight end Amaree Williams. Linebacker Wade Woodaz just missed the ball through his fingertips as Williams made an exciting catch.
— The defense found a lot of success defending the run. Between all Seminole rushers, the Tigers have only allowed seven rushing yards off of 11 attempts. This is forcing Glenn to throw, who is making his first start this season for the injured DJ Uiagalelei.
— The team has been efficient on third downs, with Florida State converting only one of six this half.
