Heartbreaker in Tallahassee |
David Hood
-
- Sunday, September 21 2014
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Clemson has found a variety of ways to lose heartbreaking football games over the years, but Saturday night’s overtime loss to Florida St. may have been the biggest heartbreak of all.
The Tigers had the ball inside of Florida St. territory with just over two minutes to play, but a fumble by C.J. Davidson The Tigers had the ball first in overtime, but Adam Choice The Tigers dominated in the statistical categories, but two missed field goals and three lost chances in the red zone doomed Clemson. One bright spot – the Tigers look like they have found a starter in Deshaun Watson The Tigers are now 0-5 all-time against No. 1 teams, and four of those losses have been to Florida St. Ironically, Florida St. had just one yard rushing on the night before the winning score. Clemson outgained the ‘Noles 407-318, and sacked backup quarterback Sean Maguire five times and had eight tackles for loss. But the defense finally buckled under the missed chances of the offense and special teams. The teams traded punts on the initial possessions of the game, but the Tigers managed to get inside the Seminole 10-yard line on their second possession. On third-and-three at the FSU six, Stoudt’s pass to a wide-open Jordan Leggett The Tiger defense held the ‘Noles off the scoreboard through the rest of the quarter, and Watson led Clemson’s first scoring drive of the night, a drive that ended with a 30-yard field goal by Lakip. Watson stayed in the game and led a drive that ended in a punt, but with Clemson’s defense overwhelming the Florida St. offense, Watson stayed in to take over on his third consecutive drive. Facing a third-and-six at the Nole13-yard line, the freshman fired a laser to Jordan Leggett for the first down. One play later D.J. Howard The Seminoles adjusted to Clemson’s rush and came out with quick throws on the first drive of the second half, and tied the game at 10-10 on a short touchdown run by Mario Pender four minutes into the second half. Late in the third quarter, the Tigers had a drive that advanced down to the Seminole half-yard line. Stanton Seckinger Clemson’s defense rose to the occasion on the ensuing drive. The ‘Noles pushed a drive up to near midfield, but Stephone Anthony The Tigers made the Seminoles pay, but it took a miraculous diving catch by Mike Williams The teams traded punts, and when Clemson sacked Maguire on Florida St.’s second play on the next drive, the ‘Noles faced a second-and-24. However, corner MacKensie Alexander Clemson was forced to put, and the ‘Noles had a chance to drive down for the win, getting the ball back with just over four minutes remaining. However, Maguire’s pass over the middle was intercepted by Jadar Johnson Two plays later, Davidson fumbled and FSU took over at their own 14 with 1:36 left on the clock. Instead of driving for the win, however, the ‘Noles ran out the clock to force overtime.
C.J. Davidson
RS Jr. Running Back
#32 5-10, 203
Clemson, SC
View Full Profile forced overtime and No. 1 Florida St. scored on a touchdown in the first overtime as the ‘Noles escaped with a 23-17 win over the Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium late Saturday night.
Adam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA
View Full Profile was stopped short on fourth-and-inches at the 16 yard line. Florida St. took over and Karlos Williams scored on a 12-yard run for the win.
Deshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA
View Full Profile, who was 19 of 28 for 266 yards. However, it was a botched snap on a play at the half-yard line, the failed fourth down play and the two missed field goals that doomed the Tigers in the loss.
Jordan Leggett
So. Tight End
#16 6-5, 251
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile was low, and the Tigers settled for a 23-yard field goal attempt by Ammon Lakip
Ammon Lakip
RS Jr. Kicker
#36 5-10, 200
Alpharetta, GA
View Full Profile. Lakip shanked the kick, and the Seminoles responded by getting a 49-yard field goal from Roberto Aguayo for a 3-0 lead midway through the opening quarter.
D.J. Howard
RS Sr. Running Back
#22 6-0, 205
Lincoln, AL
View Full Profile barged over from two yards out and Clemson had the 10-3 lead with just over six minutes left in the half.
Stanton Seckinger
RS Jr. Tight End
#81 6-4, 241
Isle of Palms, SC
View Full Profile appeared to catch a back-shoulder throw from Watson for the touchdown, but his knee was ruled down just short of the goal line. Two plays later, center Ryan Norton
Ryan Norton
RS Jr. Offensive Line
#58 6-3, 292
Simpsonville, SC
View Full Profile snapped the shotgun snap 23 yards over Watson’s head, and the Tigers had to settle for a 40-yard field goal attempt by Lakip that sailed wide right.
Stephone Anthony
Sr. Linebacker
#42 6-2, 244
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile forced a quick throw and the pass bounced off of tight end Nick O’Leary’s hands, and it was intercepted by Jayron Kearse
Jayron Kearse
So. Safety
#20 6-4, 215
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile.
Mike Williams
So. Wide Receiver
#7 6-5, 208
Vance, SC
View Full Profile to make the drive count. Williams caught a 39-yarder from Watson - he was double-covered on the play but dove in between the two defenders to make the catch at the three. One play later Watson pushed it into the endzone for his first career rushing touchdown, and Clemson led 17-10 with just under 12 minutes to play.
MacKensie Alexander
RS Fr. Cornerback
#2 5-11, 190
Immokalee, FL
View Full Profile fell down and Maguire hit Rashad Greene in stride for a 74-yard scoring strike, leaving the teams tied at 17-17 with 6:04 remaining.
Jadar Johnson
So. Defensive Back
#18 6-1, 207
Orangeburg, SC
View Full Profile, and it was the Tigers who appeared poised for the win, taking over at the FSU 26-yard line with just over two minutes remaining.Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 OT [ 5 ] Score
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