Florida State vs. Clemson: Offensive breakdown, analysis

The Florida State Seminoles took to the road on Saturday to Death Valley and faced off against the Clemson Tigers. The Noles offense seemed to have gotten into a rhythm in its previous three games averaging 31.3 points per game on the season.

First quarter

• The Seminoles won the toss and deferred. The first drive the offense was aided by consecutive defensive penalties and Jordan Travis was able to break a sack to find Ontaria Wilson for about 15. The Clemson run defense is one of the top in the country and it started to show on the ‘Noles first drive. Three and out after multiple stuffed runs.
• Lawrence Toafili gets nice blocking on the perimeter ran for six and Travis finds Darion Williamson for a first down. Jashuan Corbin made his guy miss in the backfield on a zone read for a massive gain getting them in the red zone. Multiple runs and good blocking by the offensive line allowed Travis to find Corbin to walk into the endzone.

*One thing to note, this is the first time FSU has led against the Tigers since 2016. Florida State 6, Clemson 3

Second quarter

• Lawrence Toafili out of the backfield showed his athleticism and awareness by continuing on a run that looked to have him down. He was able to land on his feet for a 75-yard touchdown reception.
• Clemson’s defensive line was able to contain Travis for the remainder of the quarter. Corbin, Toafili, Ward, and Travis all tried to find creases but were stopped.

Halftime stats

• Total yards, FSU 157, Clemson 248
• Leading rusher, FSU Jashaun Corbin, Clemson Will Shipley
• Leading receiver FSU Ontaria Wilson, Clemson Justyn Ross
• First downs, FSU 5, Clemson 13
• Average yards per play, FSU 6.5, Clemson 6.5

Score at the half, FSU 13, Clemson 17

Third quarter

• Florida States opening drive of the second half showcased Travis’ speed and elusiveness being able to gain 14-yards but not enough for the first down. The Noles went for it on 4th and two but were unable to find success.
• Travis got the offense in rhythm with throws to Kentron Poitier and Keyshawn Helton. He found Helton matched up with a linebacker and safety and launched one but was unable to connect.

Fourth quarter

• One of the key drives of the second half came when the Noles and found themselves on 3rd and twelve following a false start. The offense has had a hard time moving the ball at all against a stout Clemson defense. The drive ends in a punt.
• With under 2:00 left to go on the clock Tigers recovered a fumble and scored to seal the game.

Clemson 30, FSU 20

End-of-game stats

• Total yards, FSU 244, Clemson 377
• Leading rusher, FSU Jashaun Corbin, Clemson Will Shipley
• Leading receiver FSU Jordan Wilson, Clemson Justyn Ross
• First downs, FSU 11, Clemson 22
• Average yards per play, FSU 4.4, Clemson 5.1