Clemson outlasts Florida State to stay perfect on season

Clemson got its first win at Florida State in 10 years and overcame its biggest remaining hurdle in its quest for an undefeated regular season Saturday night in Tallahassee.

Deshaun Watson connected with Jordan Leggett for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 2:06 remaining as Clemson rallied for a 37-34 win over the Seminoles. Clemson was 1-11 in its previous 12 trips to FSU.

Florida State had a chance to answer in the final minute, but drove to the Clemson 34 before going backward and turning the ball over on downs.

Watson finished with 378 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 52 yards. Tigers running back Wayne Gallman had 20 carries for 82 yards and two scores.

Leggett led the Tigers in receiving with 122 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.

Florida State running back Dalvin Cook had 19 carries for 169 yards and four touchdowns in the loss.

Clemson controlled much of the first half and led 17-7 late in the second quarter before Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois led a six-play, 78-yard touchdown drive to cut the lead to 17-14 at the break.

The second half consisted of Cook and the Clemson offense trading blows.

After a Greg Huegel 34-yard field goal early in the third quarter gave Clemson a 20-14 lead, Cook took consecutive carries 43 yards and 70 yards for touchdowns to put the Seminoles ahead 28-20.

Gallman answered with a 2-yard touchdown run and another Huegel field goal gave the Tigers a 29-28 lead.

Cook’s fourth touchdown of the evening from 8 yards out put FSU up 34-29 with 3:23 remaining before Watson and Leggett answered.

TURNING POINT

Clemson’s front seven took over in the final minute as Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence combined for a sack on third-and-long and Boulware sacked Francois on fourth-and-32.

THREE POINTS

Star of the game: Watson: Clemson’s quarterback led the game-winning drive when the Tigers had to have it and was sensational down the stretch.

Play of the game: Watson found Leggett wide open down the right sideline late in the fourth quarter and the tight end dove for the end zone for the game-winning score.

Stat of the game: 16-2: Clemson’s record in its past 18 games decided by a touchdown or less.

NEXT

Who: Syracuse at Clemson

When: Saturday

Where: Memorial Stadium

TV: TBA

This story was originally published October 30, 2016 at 1:27 AM with the headline "Clemson outlasts Florida State to stay perfect on season."