CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Instant halftime analysis: Clemson leads top-ranked FSU 10-3
Will Watson continue to play in the second half?

Instant halftime analysis: Clemson leads top-ranked FSU 10-3


by - Senior Writer -

TALLAHASSEE, FL – It appears the future has arrived, and it started in Doak Campbell Stadium.

Freshman quarterback Deshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA

View Full Profile
led two first half scoring drives and the Clemson defense overwhelmed the Florida St. offense as Clemson leads the top-ranked Seminoles 10-3 at intermission.

Player of the half: Deshaun Watson. Starter Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 231
Dublin, OH

View Full Profile
had three drives to begin the game, but the offense found a spark under the freshman. Watson led two scoring drives and finished the half 8 of 12 for 132 yards. He also carried the ball three times for eight yards.

Stat of the half:Clemson has 249 total yards, while Florida St. has tallied just 84 yards. FSU quarterback Sean Maguire is just 6 of 17 for 106 yards, but the ‘Noles have had trouble running the football. Florida St. has rushed 11 times for negative 22 yards.

What’s working for the Tigers: The defense. Clemson has harassed and hurried Seminole quarterback Sean Maguire, making the start in place of the suspended Jameis Winston. Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS Sr. Defensive End
#3 6-2, 236
Adairsville, GA

View Full Profile
has two of Clemson’s three sacks in the half, and as we mentioned above Florida St. is not having success on the ground.

What’s not working for the Tigers: Lakip missed a chip-shot field goal for the Tigers on the game’s second possession. It’s Lakip’s second miss in three games from close range. Clemson also allowed a long punt return and Bradley Pinion has failed to kick off through the back of the endzone.

Other thoughts

*This one appears to be on the shoulders of Watson. He came on for the game’s fourth drive, and while he had a few freshman moments he showed poise and seemed calm in the pocket.

*Beasley is now tied for third on Clemson’s all-time sacks list with William Perry with 25 sacks. The record is 28, held by Michael Dean Perry and Gaines AdamsGaines Adams
Defensive End
# 6-5, 260
Greenwood, SC

View Full Profile
.

*Clemson has never defeated a No. 1 team. The Tigers have played a top-ranked team four times, and three of those times were against Florida St.

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to David Hood: Email | Comment
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
Scanlon's walk-off homer lifts Hurricanes over No. 2 Tigers
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
WATCH: Clemson players react to their Sweet 16 win over Arizona
Twitter reacts to Clemson's upset win over Arizona to make Elite 8
Twitter reacts to Clemson's upset win over Arizona to make Elite 8
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
WATCH: Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 extended highlights
Post your comments!