Clemson-FSU Recap
Try, try and try again. Perseverance is rewarded with the Atlantic Division and possibly more.
Deshaun Watson (28 for 42, 297 yards, TD) knew when to run and when to throw on two clutch fourth-quarter scoring drives as Clemson owned the fourth quarter to break a tie and defeat rival Florida State 23-13.
Watson used his legs on a number of key third down conversions, and used his legs even when he decided to throw in buying more time to find receivers down field in the final minutes. Tight end Jordan Leggett (6 receptions, 101 yards) was a primary target and Wayne Gallman (22 carries, 103 yards) finally wore down a determined Florida State front seven down the stretch.
While Watson was waiting to explode, the Tigers talented and tenacious defensive line took charge with Shaq Lawson, Ben Boulware and Austin Bryant leading the way. Dalvin Cook shocked Clemson with an early 75 yard touchdown run and gained 194 yards in total, but the Tigers generally kept Cook under control and set its sites on Sean Maguire (16 for 29, 165 yards, INT).
The Tigers’ path to the ACC Title and more now lighten considerably with games against Wake Forest, Syracuse, South Carolina and probable date with North Carolina (8-1, 5-0) in the conference championship game.
Mark brings a passionate view and analytical eye to college football discussion. A 3-time Associated Press Mississippi Sportscaster of the year, Mark owns 23 years of anchor, reporting, producing and management experience in local and network television at ESPN, WCBI and WNCO. During that time, Mark covered several SEC championship games, bowl games, College World Series and a Final Four. Mark’s interview subjects range from Peyton Manning, Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, Archie Griffin to Vince Gill and Robin Roberts. Mark currently displays his skills on his Youtube Channel, MarkRogersTV which houses over 1600 college football videos with opinion and analysis, and also interviews with current coaches including Tommy Tuberville and Sonny Dykes.
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