Clemson Upset as Florida State Ends Long Losing Streak: ACC Championship Dreams in Question
In a shocking turn of events, Clemson suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Florida State, putting their dreams of an ACC championship in serious jeopardy. The game marked the end of Florida State’s long losing streak against Clemson, sending shockwaves through the college football community.
The game started off with Clemson struggling to gain any momentum, failing to secure a first down on a critical possession. The tide began to turn in Florida State’s favor when Clemson’s fourth-and-2 pass missed its mark, leading to the celebration of Florida State’s players on the field where they hadn’t won since 2013.
It’s worth noting that Clemson has been almost unbeatable at home in Death Valley, losing only twice in 10 years. The defeat in 2013, when Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston led his team to a memorable 51-14 victory, remained etched in the memories of both teams. However, this time around, Florida State emerged victorious, while Clemson could only reflect on missed opportunities.
The first half of the game saw Florida State struggling to find space, with only 21 yards on the board and less than 8 minutes left before the half. Nevertheless, Florida State’s quarterback, Travis, displayed remarkable skill and resilience. In the final 5 minutes of the first half, Travis orchestrated two exceptional 75-yard touchdown drives, demonstrating his proficiency as a playmaker. The first drive concluded with a 7-yard scoring catch by Coleman, who found himself unguarded near the goal line. Clemson countered quickly with a touchdown drive, but Travis responded by going 4-of-4 for 67 yards and finishing with a 2-yard touchdown run, closing the gap to 17-14.
For Clemson, this defeat is a major setback. Starting the season ranked ninth, they had high hopes of success. However, a loss in Week 1 to unranked Duke dashed their early-season aspirations and dropped them out of the polls. Underestimating Clemson proved to be a mistake, as they showcased their offensive prowess in the game against Florida State, putting up their most effective offensive performance this season.
An interesting side note is the unexpected return of Weitz, Clemson’s former backup kicker. Coach Dabo Swinney re-enlisted Weitz, calling him to join the team after he had pursued a graduate degree online and worked in finance. Weitz contributed to the scoring, kicking a 30-yard field goal and proving his worth after four seasons as the backup.
This unexpected upset has significant implications for both teams. For Florida State, it marks a major milestone in their quest to reclaim their position as the heavyweight of the ACC. If they can sustain the resilience they displayed against Clemson, Florida State has a strong chance of competing for their first ACC conference crown since 2014.
As for Clemson, their hopes for an ACC and College Football Playoff are hanging by a thread. With two losses in September for the second time in three seasons, they now rely on conference chaos and other teams’ misfortunes for even a slim chance at competing for a league title.
Looking ahead, Florida State will enjoy a week off before beginning a three-game homestand, starting with a matchup against Virginia Tech on October 7th.
This unexpected turn of events has ignited excitement and anticipation in the college football world. Clemson’s defeat and Florida State’s resurgence have added an element of unpredictability to the ACC landscape. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these two teams and their quest for success.
