Few Clemson teams in recent memory have faced as much criticism as the 2025 squad, and with good reason. After dropping four home games, the most since 1975, and failing to beat a Power Four opponent for over a year, the Tigers’ 3-5 start was their worst since 1998. But none of that mattered under the lights at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, when Dabo Swinney and Clemson silenced the noise with a 24-10 win over rival Florida State.
The Tigers put together their most balanced performance of the season. Cade Klubnik commanded the offense with poise, completing 20 of 27 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score on the game’s opening drive. That possession set the tone, as Clemson moved 75 yards in 13 plays and chewed up more than six minutes of clock before Klubnik’s four-yard run capped it off. Clay Swinney then executed a fake extra point to give Clemson an early jolt and an 8-0 lead. The Tigers maintained control throughout, relying on steady execution rather than flash. Klubnik later connected with Antonio Williams on a 34-yard flea-flicker to push the lead to 15-0 before halftime.
Clemson’s defense, heavily criticized in recent weeks, answered every challenge against the ACC’s top offense. The Seminoles entered averaging over 500 yards per game but were held to just 360 total yards and a season-low 110 rushing. Florida State managed only one red-zone touchdown in four tries and went 5-for-15 on third down. Clemson’s front seven dominated late, recording six sacks, all in the second half, and forcing two turnovers. What was once the team’s biggest weakness turned into its greatest strength.
Live blog for Clemson football’s ACC rivalry matchup against the Florida State Seminoles https://t.co/5gA3S5WcC5pic.twitter.com/3lspkuM1CG
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) November 8, 2025
Kicker Nolan Hauser contributed three field goals, while the Tigers controlled the ball for over 34 minutes, wearing down a frustrated Florida State defense. With the win, Clemson improved to 4-5 overall and 3-4 in ACC play, keeping its bowl hopes alive heading into Friday night’s road trip to Louisville.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson football takes down Florida State for a massive rivalry win
