Trevor Lawrence threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another in the win over Florida State (TIGERNET)
Clemson wasted little time in asserting its dominance over Florida State in a 45-14 victory, Saturday. Looking refreshed after an open date, the Tigers stormed to a 28-0 halftime lead behind three passing touchdowns from Trevor Lawrence. Two of those first-half scores went to Justyn Ross and another to Travis Etienne. Lawrence finished with 170 yards on 17 of 25 passing (all in the first half). From the outset, it looked as if Florida State’s defense wanted no part of Clemson and put up little resistance surrendering first-half scoring drives of 75, 66, 57 and 78 yards.
The defense did its part, as well, forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six from Derion Kendrick. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables’ unit limited the Seminoles to 63 yards in the first half and 253 for the game. All-American candidate Isaiah Simmons sparked the defense with 8 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
With the victory, the Tigers picked up win no. 750 in program history and improve to 6-0 this season. Clemson will next face Louisville in another Atlantic Division matchup. Kickoff in Louisville is scheduled for noon, next Saturday.
Clemson linebacker Chad Smith makes a stop in the win over Florida State (TigerNet)
Running back Travis Etienne surpassed 3,000 yards for his career. He finished the game with 127 yards rushing on 17 attempts and a receiving touchdown. Etienne also completed a pass in the first quarter for 23 yards.
Co-offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott continue to utilize Trevor Lawrence in the run game. Lawrence rushed six times for 40 yards and a score.
Florida State didn’t eclipse 100 yards of offense until Alex Hornibrook hit Tamorrion Terry for a 64-yard touchdown with 2:02 remaining in the 3rd quarter.
The first half was especially lopsided statistically with the Tigers distancing themselves from the Seminoles in total yards (367-63), rushing (174-16), yards/play (7.1-2.3) and time of possession (21:04-8:56).
Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins did not dress for the 2nd half. Afterward, Dabo Swinney noted Higgins had a tight hamstring and was held out for precautionary reasons.
Safety Tanner Muse, linebacker Chad Smith and cornerback Derion Kendrick all registered interceptions for the Tigers.
Clemson reserve quarterback Chase Brice saw extensive time, completing five of nine passes for 35 yards.
Clemson kicker BT Potter missed a 24-yard field goal late in the first half and his backup Steven Sawicki came on for both second half PATs and a 26-yard field goal, the first of his career.
