Passing Game Propels No. 2/2 Clemson Past Florida State
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Freshman Trevor Lawrence threw for four touchdowns as No. 2/2 Clemson rolled its way to a 59-10 victory over Florida State on Saturday afternoon, marking the first time in program history that the Tigers have posted back-to-back wins at Doak Campbell Stadium. With the win, Clemson retained its undefeated status, moving to 8-0 (5-0 ACC) on the season, while the Seminoles fell to 4-4 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
With four touchdowns against Florida State, Lawrence broke Deshaun Watson’s school record for single-season passing touchdowns by a true freshman, recording 16 so far this year. Lawrence finished the game with a career-high 314 passing yards, connecting on 20-of-37 passes. The receiving duo of Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins combined for four touchdowns and 218 yards, including a career-high 165 receiving yards by Rodgers. On the other side of the ball, the Clemson defense forced seven three-and-outs by Florida State and totaled 13 tackles for loss, including five sacks.
Clemson drew first blood at the 13:19 mark in the second quarter when Lawrence found Higgins on a seven-yard lob to put the Tigers up 7-0 on the Seminoles. The touchdown was the first of two Lawrence to Higgins touchdowns as the duo connected on a 3-yard pass just six minutes later to give Clemson the 14-0 advantage.
On the following drive, linebacker Tre Lamar hauled in his first interception of the season, returning the ball 43 yards to the Florida State 30. Four plays later, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins barreled into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run and the first rushing touchdown of his career. Lawrence continued to orchestrate Clemson’s offensive domination, feeding Garrett Williams on a 2-yard touchdown run as time expired in the first half. Clemson’s 28 points in the second quarter were the most points in a quarter since Sept. 12, 2015 when the Tigers pinned 28 second-quarter points on Appalachian State.
It was the Amari Rodgers show in the third quarter as the sophomore recorded his first and second touchdowns of the game for 58 and 68 yards, respectively. All of Rodgers receiving touchdowns this season have eclipsed the 40-yard mark. A field goal by B.T. Potter and a 5-yard connection from Chase Brice to T.J. Chase made the score 52-3, Clemson, heading into the final 15 minutes of the game.
Adam Choice became the third Tiger to rush for a touchdown on the day, punching the ball into the end zone on a 15-yard run. With 20 rushing yards against Florida State, Choice joined Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster as the only current Tigers to have rushed for at least 1,000 career yards. Florida State recorded its only touchdown of the game with 4:43 remaining in the fourth quarter for the final score of the contest.
The Tigers return to Death Valley to host Louisville on Saturday, November 3 for IPTAY Day. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m.