CLEMSON — To win strong games, mistakes and bad decisions can’t happen. That reared its ugly head for the Clemson Tigers, as overthinking and a single turnover nailed their coffin in a thrilling overtime loss to the   No. 4 Florida State Seminoles.

The Tigers started hot with a 10-0 lead, but great times respond and FSU did just that. Everything was still in front of Clemson, and their great efforts for more than 90% of the game against the Seminoles went to waste in the end. Here’s the 411 on the gut-wrenching defeat.

-Beyond the one turnover we’ll talk about later, quarterback Cade Klubnik grew up right in front of a sold-out Death Valley. He was poised under duress and clearly displayed the chemistry he’s built with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and his offense. The bag finally opened up for this group and that’s why the Tigers totaled 429 yards…but mistakes.

-On 3rd-and-1 in overtime, Riley got too cute. While the running game had momentum, he called a run-pass option and Klubnik pulled it and threw for a one yard gain. The decision forced a fourth down and it should’ve been a run play from the start.. There was no reason to call that play and it doomed Clemson as the fourth down effort was poor. For all the eye candy and success the offense had against a fast Florida State defense, that will be what goes under the microscope.

-Jonathan Weitz was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals and extra points until he faced a 29-yard field goal to take the lead in the fourth quarter. It was wide left and it’s a brutal moment for what could’ve been a storybook ending in Death Valley.

-Defensive end Xavier Thomas was a man possessed against an impressive Seminoles offense. The box score didn’t show it till late, but Thomas should’ve forced at least four holding penalties. Officials didn’t call it until late and the next play was the sack. He let out a roar afterwards and rightfully so.

-Cornerback Nate Wiggins saved the game on fourth down in the waning moments with a pass breakup, but suffered a knee injury on the play. Wiggins appeared to hyperextend his knee and couldn’t put weight on that leg at all. It would be a massive loss for one of the Clemson defense’s best if the injury is severe. In overtime, Jordan Travis instantly targeted his replacement in Jaedyn Lukus, and it was an incredible touchdown grab by Keon Coleman right in front of the FSU fans that traveled.

TURNING POINT

The Seminoles were on their heels late in the fourth quarter, as Clemson crossed midfield with the offense in rhythm. Klubnik dropped back to pass and running back Phil Mafah quickly left his blocking assignment to be a safety valve.

He missed linebacker Karen DeLoach flying in on a late blitz. It was a perfect call as the Tigers shaded their protection to the loaded left side, which dropped back and DeLoach leveled Klubnik, forcing a fumble and recovering  it himself for a 66-yard scoop and score to tie the game. That play got the Seminoles back into the game and the Tigers were unable to overcome it from that point on.

TELLING STAT: 1 : 0

There was a single turnover in the thrilling loss, and it ended up being their demise. It was preached all week about taking care of the football, and just a single mistake was the downfall for Clemson. This loss is one that will sting for a long time as the Tigers fall to 0-2 in the ACC for the first time since 2010.