Clemson finally gave its defense and kicking game some offensive support Saturday night, and Tait Reynolds made sure it was enough. The freshman quarterback accounted for three touchdowns as the Tigers left Tallahassee with a 36-24 victory over Florida State.
A week after letting a late lead slip away against Virginia Tech, Clemson faced another uncomfortable finish. Florida State trimmed a 29-10 deficit to five points in the fourth quarter, putting pressure on an offense that has struggled to deliver in those situations.
Reynolds supplied the answer on third-and-19, escaping the pocket and sprinting 79 yards for a touchdown with 3:17 remaining. His biggest play of the season stopped the Seminoles’ rally and helped Clemson improve to 5-3 overall
and 3-2 in ACC play.
The decisive run capped a night that offered some encouraging signs for Chad Morris’ offense. Reynolds completed 18 of 32 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, adding 85 yards and another score on the ground. Drops and an uneven second half left opportunities unfulfilled, but Clemson generated enough offense to capitalize on its defense’s takeaways.
An 18-yard touchdown pass to Christian Bentancur in the first quarter ended Clemson’s passing touchdown drought dating to Sept. 19. Reynolds later connected with Olsen Patt-Henry for a four-yard score after Jerome Carter II intercepted Ashton Daniels.
Elliot Washington added an interception on Florida State’s next possession, setting up Nolan Hauser’s 50-yard field goal as the first half expired. Clemson turned those two takeaways into 10 points and entered halftime ahead 23-10.
Hauser remained dependable throughout, making all five of his field goal attempts from 35, 35, 50, 46 and 49 yards.
Defensively, Clemson forced four turnovers, including two Washington interceptions, and recorded four sacks for the third consecutive game. Florida State managed just 65 rushing yards and converted one of its 10 third-down attempts.
Daniels still made the finish tense. He threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 13-yard rushing score before finding Jason Lopez for a 41-yard touchdown that brought the Seminoles within 29-24.
Reynolds’ response secured Clemson’s fifth consecutive victory in Tallahassee and its 10th win in the past 11 meetings with Florida State.
ESPN has Clemson Tigers starter among 25 best CFB players this season
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The night also included concern for starting left guard Elyjah Thurmon, who was stretchered off after a second-quarter injury. A Clemson spokesman said he was being taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for further evaluation, accompanied by his mother.
Clemson travels to Syracuse next Saturday for a noon kickoff.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson torches Florida State behind true freshman quarterback pop-off
