OFFENSE
• Total Yards / Yards Per Play: 319 / 5.1
• QB Line: QB Klubnik – 20 for 27 / 74% / 221 yards / 1 TD / 0 INT / 155 efficiency
• Leading Receiver: WR Williams — 6 catches / 62 yards / 1 TD
• Leading Rusher: RB Randall — 15 carries / 48 yards / 0 TD / 3.2 ypc
• Explosive Plays (passes > 20 yds, runs > 10 yds): 5 (4 passes, 1 run)
• Tackles For Loss Allowed / Sacks Allowed: 8 TFL / 2 sacks
Summary: For the first time in recent memory, Clemson leaned on the run game from start to finish, calling more runs than passes and controlling tempo through balance. Early in the game, the ground attack was efficient, producing steady 4–8-yard gains to stay ahead of the chains. As Clemson built a two-score lead, the offense shifted to a conservative approach that lowered its overall YPC but shortened the game. Klubnik was sharp and turnover-free, operating efficiently (155 passer rating) from the pocket despite two sacks. The offensive line delivered the best graded pass blocking of the season. Overall, it was a composed, ball-control performance that prioritized possession and field position over explosiveness.
DEFENSE
• Total Yards Allowed / Yards Per Play: 360 / 5.2
• Leading Passer: QB Castellanos 23 of 43 / 250 yds / 1 TD / 1 INT / 105 efficiency
• Leading Receiver: WR Robinson – 9 catches / 124 yds/ 0 TD
• Rushing Yards: 26 carries / 130 yds / 0 TDs / 4.2 ypc
• Leading Rusher: QB Castellanos – 11 carries / 31 yds / 0 TD / 2.8 ypc
• Takeaways (INTs / Fumbles): 1 / 1
• TFLs / Sacks: 9 TFLs / 6 sacks
• Explosive Plays Allowed: 5 (3 passes, 2 runs)
• Opponent Key Players:
Summary: Clemson’s defense applied consistent pressure, recording 6 sacks and 9 TFLs while forcing 2 turnovers. The front seven contained FSU’s ground game, limiting chunk runs and collapsing the pocket. Coverage had its best grade of the season and held firm outside a few downfield completions to Robinson. Tackling was graded as the 2nd worst of the season. Clemson’s pass rush disrupted rhythm throughout. Overall, it was a physical, disciplined defensive effort.
SPECIAL TEAMS
• Clemson FG / XP: 3 / 3 FG, 1 / 1 XP
• Clemson Punting: 38.8 avg, 3 inside 20
• FSU FG / XP: 1 / 2 FG, 1 / 1 XP
• FSU Punting Average: 42.5 avg
Summary: Special teams were a clear advantage for Clemson. Kicker Nolan Hauser was perfect on three field goals (40, 23, 43), providing steady scoring. Punter Jack Smith placed half his kicks inside the 20, helping field position despite a modest average. FSU’s missed field goal put an end to their best sustained possession to that point — starting at their own 25, reaching Clemson’s 22 — and stopping any momentum.
SITUATIONAL METRICS
• 3rd Down: Clemson 4 / 15 (27%) | FSU 5 / 15 (33%)
• 4th Down: Clemson 2 / 2 (100%) | FSU 1 / 3 (33%)
• Red Zone: Clemson 2 / 2 (100%) | FSU 2 / 4 (50%)
• Penalties: Clemson 2 for 17 yds | FSU 5 for 50 yds
• Time of Possession: Clemson 34:22 | FSU 25:38
• Turnovers: Clemson 0 | FSU 2
Summary: Clemson’s situational performance is really where the Tigers got the win. They committed few penalties, won the turnover battle and dominated time of possession by nearly nine minutes, translating control into steady points. Perfect red-zone execution contrasted FSU’s inefficiency. Third-down struggles persisted offensively, but fourth-down aggressiveness paid off. Defensively, they were able to get stops on 3rd down and, unlike last week vs Duke, stop FSU on 4th down.