CLEMSON - Florida State Postgame LIVE

From Clemson at The Voice of College Football · 01:09:39

Show by The Voice of College Football Network

ClemsonVOCFB Postgame LIVE Notes Clemson 36, Florida State 24 (Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2026, Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee) Hosts: Jordan Bowman & Edward “Tiger Paw” Craven (TPC) Records: Clemson 5-3 (3-2 ACC); Florida State 3-5 (1-4 ACC) Opening & Immediate Reaction (~00:03–00:10) Final score announced early. Both hosts openly say they did not expect a Clemson win given the offense’s season-long struggles (only two passing TDs through seven games; 16 points vs. Virginia Tech; inability to score against bad defenses). Key early takeaways: Win feels like a relative high point in a difficult season; “savor the wins when they come.” Complementary football for the first time in a while: defense/special teams created short fields and turnovers; offense finally converted some of them. Not a complete fix—still a flawed team—but growth shown by a young QB and the ability to close out a road ACC win against a rival (extended the streak of not losing in Tallahassee; last FSU home win vs. Clemson was 2014). Offense Breakdown (~00:05–00:25) Tait Reynolds (true freshman QB): 18/32, 189 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; 14 rushes for 85 yards and 1 TD (including the 79-yard game-sealing run on 3rd-and-long). Hosts note he looked more confident, took more shots, and benefited from a simplified, trimmed-down playbook that “took the thinking out” and let him play freer. Better deep-ball accuracy and some improved pocket decision-making when he had time, though he still had freshman moments (aimless movement under pressure, taking avoidable sacks). Positive signs: Doubled the season’s passing TD total in the first half (both to tight ends: Christian Bentancur and Olsen Patt-Henry/OPH). Tight ends involved in the red zone. Offensive line gave him clean pockets at times to survey; hosts give partial credit after months of criticism. Capitalized on short fields and turnovers instead of stalling (contrast to the Virginia Tech game). Ongoing issues: Traditional run game ineffective outside of QB draws/power/counter (under 100 yards if the 79-yarder is removed). Multiple WR drops (Bryant Wesco on a deep ball; TJ Moore in the end zone; others). Hosts call them inexcusable for high-end talent. Limited playbook—lots of the same toss/sweep and fake-toss looks. Florida State should have been frustrated by the simplicity. Tyler Brown continues as the most consistent offensive weapon; credit to Chad Morris for getting him the ball. Hosts emphasize this is incremental growth, not a sudden high-powered offense. “It’s nice to win a game” and “see the ball go through the hoop.” Defense (~00:07–00:35) Strong through three quarters: created three turnovers (Ashton Daniels had three interceptions and a fumble lost), generated consistent pressure, bottled up the run (FSU ~65 rushing yards), and limited explosives for long stretches. Fourth-quarter issues drew the most criticism: Busted coverages and mental lapses allowed FSU to score twice and cut a multi-score lead to five points. Open-field tackling problems across the board (Sammy Brown, Fletcher Cothran, safeties, etc.). Missed tackles turned short gains into longer ones. Donovan Starr (true sophomore, limited starts at nickel) got picked on by Makai Danzy and others. Elliot Washington II (who had two of the three picks) gave up a big touchdown by cheating inside on a screen situation late. Penalties (horse-collar, some PI). Hosts note the man-heavy scheme invites some physicality calls. Overall: Defense remains the clearer strength and is growing up (especially the defensive tackle room after early-season injuries and inexperience; positive notes on moves like Darion Mayo inside and Mari Adams’ recent play). Still showed holes and failed to finish cleanly. Special Teams & Other Notes Nolan Hauser: 5/5 field goals (longest 49 yards). Hosts call him automatic and a Lou Groza contender; still carrying the scoring load. “Lights out.” Elijah Thurman injury: early reports and postgame update (Dabo) indicate concussion protocol/check on head and neck; awake, thumbs-up photo, expected hospital release. Hosts send thoughts and prayers. FSU special teams (especially punting) were worse, aiding Clemson field position. Looking Ahead & Broader Context (~00:14–end) Next up: at Syracuse (historically a tough place for Clemson even in peak years). Need to clean up drops, open-field tackling, penalties, and continue QB growth. In the live Q&A/comments section, discussion turns to program-level issues: Strong consensus that Clemson must address the QB room in the portal (bring in a veteran/experienced starter or real competition). Tonight’s simplified offense is not sustainable; sample size is still too small to “run it back.” Pressure on Dabo for concessions on roster construction and portal usage, especially if payroll increases. Position coaches (e.g., OL) have reportedly wanted help. TJ Moore: hosts push back on “checked out” narratives—he blocks hard and shows engagement—but acknowledge confidence/drop…

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