When you look at the Clemson vs Florida State score from their latest clash, the 29-13 result in Tallahassee feels like just another Saturday in the ACC. But honestly? It was anything but routine. If you've been following these two programs, you know the vibe around this rivalry has shifted from "who’s going to the Playoff" to "who can actually stay the course."
On October 5, 2024, at Doak Campbell Stadium, Clemson didn't just win; they essentially took the air out of the room. It was a 29-13 victory that felt wider than the sixteen-point margin suggested. While the scoreboard shows a decent fight, the reality on the turf was a dominant display by Dabo Swinney’s squad that left Mike Norvell searching for answers in a season that has felt more like a freefall for the Seminoles.
Breaking Down the Clemson vs Florida State Score
The game started with Clemson asserting a level of control that FSU simply couldn't match. Nolan Hauser, Clemson’s freshman kicker, was basically the MVP of the stat sheet, knocking through five field goals. It’s kinda rare to see a team win by double digits primarily on the back of their kicker, but Hauser was clinical.
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The First Half Blitz
Clemson came out swinging. They jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter alone. Cade Klubnik looked comfortable, finding Antonio Williams for a massive 57-yard touchdown that hushed the home crowd early. Then, just before the first quarter ended, Klubnik hit T.J. Moore for another 23-yard score.
FSU did show a spark. Brock Glenn, getting the start under center, managed to find Amaree Williams for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter to make it 17-7. For a second, you’ve gotta think the Seminoles fans thought a comeback was brewing. But Clemson’s defense had other plans.
The Grinding Second Half
The third quarter was a total stalemate. Zero points. It was a defensive slog where Clemson was happy to sit on their lead and FSU just couldn't find a rhythm. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Hauser added two more field goals to push the Clemson vs Florida State score to its final resting place.
Ja'Khi Douglas caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Glenn to bring it to 23-13, but FSU failed the two-point conversion. That was basically the dagger. Clemson responded with more methodical drives and more Hauser kicks to seal the 29-13 win.
The Stats That Actually Tell the Story
If you only look at the final points, you miss the sheer disparity in the trenches. Clemson outgained Florida State 500 yards to 250. Let that sink in. They literally doubled their output.
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- Rushing Dominance: Clemson put up 265 yards on the ground. Phil Mafah was a workhorse, racking up 154 yards on 25 carries. FSU? They managed a measly 22 yards rushing. You aren't winning many football games in the ACC with 22 yards on the ground.
- Total Plays: Clemson ran 74 plays to FSU’s 64. They controlled the clock, they controlled the line of scrimmage, and they controlled the narrative.
- Third Down Woes: FSU went 4-for-16 on third downs. It’s hard to build any momentum when you’re constantly punting or settling for desperate fourth-down heaves.
Why FSU Fans Are Frustrated
Florida State entered 2024 with massive expectations. Instead, they’ve struggled with identity. Changing quarterbacks hasn't been the magic fix everyone hoped for. Brock Glenn finished 23-of-41 for 228 yards—not terrible, but when your run game is non-existent, the pressure on a young QB is immense.
Clemson, meanwhile, looks like a team that has found its pulse again. Cade Klubnik didn't have to be a superhero. He was efficient, going 19-of-33 for 235 yards and two touchdowns without throwing a single interception. That's the version of Klubnik that wins championships.
Looking Ahead: What This Result Means
This game wasn't just about a 2024 win. It was a statement about the hierarchy of the ACC. For a while, people thought FSU had permanently leaped over Clemson. This score says "not so fast."
If you're a Clemson fan, you're looking at the remaining schedule with a lot of confidence. The defense is playing lights-out, and Phil Mafah is proving he can carry the load when the passing game needs a breather. For FSU, it’s about salvage mode. They need to find a way to block better up front, or it's going to be a long winter in Tallahassee.
Practical Takeaways for Your Next Watch Party
- Watch the line of scrimmage: Clemson's defensive front is the real deal. They didn't just stop the run; they erased it.
- Field Goals matter: Nolan Hauser’s reliability means Clemson doesn't have to gamble on fourth downs in the red zone.
- Mafah is the engine: As long as he's healthy, Clemson’s offense has a high floor.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for both teams as we move deeper into the season. Winning the Clemson vs Florida State score battle is great for bragging rights, but the physical toll of these rivalry games usually shows up in the following two weeks. Clemson needs to stay healthy to keep this momentum, while FSU needs a total philosophical reset on offense.