Clemson finally gave its defense and kicking game some serious support on Saturday night, and Tait Reynolds was pretty solid. The freshman quarterback accounted for three touchdowns as the Tigers left Tallahassee with a 36-24 victory over Florida State.
A week after blowing a late lead against Virginia Tech, Clemson faced another difficult goal. Florida State trailed 29-10 by five points in the fourth quarter, putting pressure on an offense that struggled to deliver in these situations.
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Reynolds provided 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 shut out the Seminoles and helped Clemson improve to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in ACC play.
It was a decisive 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 uneven second half opportunities were not left empty, but Clemson generated enough offense to capitalize on their defense.
An 18-yard touchdown pass to Christian Bentancur in the first quarter ended Clemson’s passing drought dating to Sept. 19. Reynolds later connected with Olsen Patt-Henry twenty-four years after Jerome Carter II intercepted Ashton Daniel.
Elliot Washington’s interception added to Florida State’s next possession, leading to Nolan Hauser’s 50-yard field goal for the first time. Clemson turned those two takeaways into 10 points and entered the half ahead 23-10.
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Hauser remained consistent throughout, making all five of his field goals from 35, 35, 50, 46 and 49 yards.
Clemson’s defense forced four turnovers, including two Washington interceptions, and recorded four sacks for the third consecutive game. Florida State managed just 65 yards rushing and converted one of its 10 attempts on third down.
Daniel still made the goal. He threw for 30 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 13-yard scoring run before finding Jason Lopez for a 41-yard touchdown that brought the Seminoles within 29-24.
Reynolds’ response secured Tallahassee’s fifth consecutive victory in Tallahassee and its eleventh tie in the past 11 meetings with Florida State.
Night also left guard Elyam Thurmon, who was sidelined after an injury in the second quarter. A Clemson spokesman said he was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for further evaluation along with his mother.
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Clemson travels to Syracuse next Saturday for noon kickoffs.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson brands Florida State after a true freshman QB pop-off