CLEMSON, SC — Florida State delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating No. 1 Clemson 40-37 in overtime at Memorial Stadium and sending the Tigers tumbling 13 spots in the latest rankings.
Seminoles quarterback Tanner Applewhite overcame relentless pressure, completing 21 of 35 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns despite being sacked eight times. Freshman running back Zach Hodges provided balance to the offense, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Christopher Vizzina put together another productive outing for Clemson, throwing for 330 yards and two touchdowns. However, two costly interceptions halted promising drives and proved difficult to overcome. Vizzina was also sacked three times as Florida State’s defense came through in key moments.
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The Seminoles carried a 17-10 lead into halftime before Clemson seized momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Florida State 17-3 to take a 27-20 advantage. But the visitors responded with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to force overtime.
After Clemson managed only a field goal on its overtime possession, Applewhite ended the game with a touchdown pass, touching off a celebration on the Florida State sideline.
The loss dropped Clemson to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in ACC play. For Florida State, the victory was its third of the season and second straight. While the Seminoles may be out of the ACC and CFP races after a slow start, the upset gives them a signature win to build on heading into the second half of the season.
