Instant analysis: No. 5 FSU 51, No. 3 Clemson 14

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CLEMSON – Everything that could’ve gone wrong for the Clemson Tigers Saturday night, did.

The Tigers looked overmatched and out of synch in a 51-14 blowout loss to Florida State – the most points ever scored by an opponent in Death Valley.

It was over when: The Tigers trailed 10-0 early late in the first quarter, and had a chance to begin their comeback, but FSU defensive back Lamarcus Joyner had other plans. Joyner came off the edge and hit quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
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View Full Profile from the blindside forcing a fumble. Defensive end Mario Edwards scooped and scored from 27 yards out to give the Noles a 17-0 lead. Clemson never recovered.

Game ball goes to: Everyone heard all week about how great Jamies Winston is and he made believers out of every Clemson fan in Death Valley and spectators all across the country. Except for two drives, the redshirt freshman never appeared rattled and never lost his cool. Winston completed 22-of-34 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns.

Stat of the game: The Seminole ran 73 plays and averaged 7.7 yards per play, while the Tigers ran 86 plays and averaged 3.8 yards.

What it means for Clemson: Clemson moved to the backseat in the race for the ACC Atlantic because now Florida State will have to lose two games in order for the Tigers to get back in the races. The Tigers haven’t faced adversity of this magnitude all season and will have to rebound quickly has they travel to Maryland to take on the Terps for the final time as ACC foes.

What it means for Florida State: Florida State is in the driver’s seat for all of its goals – an ACC Championship and a national championship. The Noles are simply the better team especially along the offensive line and in the secondary. Can the Noles continue their dominance and not have what has seemed to be their yearly slip up?

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