Instant Replay: No. 3 Clemson 37, No. 14 Florida State 34
By: gabby-bates October 30, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — No. 3 Clemson defeated No. 14 Florida State 37-34 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night to give Clemson its first win at Florida State since 2006. Deshaun Watson’s touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett with 2:06 left followed by a two-point conversion by Mike Williams put the Tigers up 37-34 and helped them earn the win.

What happened?

Clemson got off to a good start, putting up two touchdowns in the first half. Making his return from a concussion suffered against N.C. State, Wayne Gallman rushed behind the left tackle to put the Tigers up 7-0 with 11:05 left in the first quarter. Following Gallman’s touchdown, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow that gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead going into the second.

Up 17-14 to start the second half, the Tigers lost momentum as the Seminoles rallied to take the lead 28-20 going into the fourth quarter. Florida State running back Dalvin Cook rushed for a 43-yard touchdown to put the Seminoles up 21-20 at the 6:18 mark of the third quarter before rushing for a 70-yard touchdown with 43 seconds left in the frame to make it 28-20. Cook scored his fourth touchdown of the game on an 8-yard run to put the Seminoles up 34-29 with 3:23 remaining.

Clemson was able respond with a 34-yard touchdown to Leggett with 2:06 left on the clock in the third quarter followed by a two-point conversion pass caught by wide receiver Williams that helped give the Tigers their road win.

What went right?

Clemson’s 75-yard drive in five plays that ended in a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Leggett followed by a two-point conversion gave the Tigers a 37-34 lead with only 2:06 left.

Driving into Clemson territory with seconds left on the clock, Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois was taken down by back-to-back sacks by defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and linebacker Ben Boulware that sealed the win for the Tigers.

What went wrong?

Watson threw two interceptions that Florida State turned into 14 points. His interception in the second quarter allowed Florida State to get back in the game after Clemson took a 14-0 lead, and his pick in the third set up the Seminoles’ third touchdown, which gave them their first lead.

Game-changing moment?

Watson’s touchdown pass to Leggett with 2:06 left followed by a two-point conversion by Williams put the Tigers up 37-34 and helped them seal the victory.