CLEMSON, SC
Clemson defeats FSU 45-14 inside the friendly confines of “Death Valley” on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed stadium and a national TV Audience. Clemson left no doubt as it took the opening drive and proceeded to attack the FSU defense from the first snap of the game. Dabo Swinney said in his post game presser this was his plan from the outset, to leave no doubt and attack. And with that plan in hand Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne and company went to work implementing this strategy. Add to that a defense that did not allow FSU to breathe all day long and you had the formula for a huge Clemson victory.
Lawrence threw for 170 yards on 17 completions and 3 TD’s through the air and one on the ground. Etienne finished the afternoon with 127 yards on the ground. Again combine that with Bren Venable’s stingy defense and it was the formula for a blowout victory. Venables defense did not allow a point in the first half and he Seminoles tallied less than 100 yards total offense in over 6 drives in the first and second quarters of this contes. With no less than 4 turnovers on the day, and 3 of those interceptions including a pick six from cornerback Derion Kendrick.
The Tigers defense was creating havoc all over the field with tackles for loss and three sacks. Seminoles running back Cam Akers came into the game averaging 107 yards a game and in midst of a great season… on this afternoon the All ACC back could only muster 34 yards. So far this season Venables and his defense are outpacing the 2018 version which walked in and out of last season with all the accolades and national attention. Half way thru the 2019 season and this new look Tiger Defense is better on paper and on the field in many statistical areas.
Clemson came in looking for a statement, and a resounding statement was made. The way they dispatched a talented squad in FSU was quite impressive. By the time middle of the third quarter the game was 42-0 and well in hand. Dabo then looked to the benches started emptying them to get players into the game and continue building roster depth.
With the 45-14 win the Tigers and Dabo Swinney now move to 6-0 overall and 4-0 inside the ACC. Coming up for the Clemson team is a trip to the bluegrass State and a 12 noon kickoff with a new look Louisville team. Clemson still on a mission to repeat as ACC Champions will have that next game up mentality, next game up… Louisville Cardinals in another Atlantic Division matchup.
CLEMSON HEAD COACH DABO SWINNEY
Opening statement:
“I just felt like we were playing a little tight in the last game, so I just wanted our team to have an edge getting off the bus today. I thought our guys had the right tone. They were locked in and eager to get back on the field. We were also eager to get back to doing the things that we need to do in order to win, like winning the turnover margin, making big plays on both sides of the ball and having great rhythm on offense.”
On the keys to the win:
“The defense did an awesome job of getting us the ball and forced four turnovers. But the offense set the tone. Trevor Lawrence was awesome. It was a great day for Travis Etienne and the offensive line, which gave up no sacks. Overall, it was a great day and a dominant performance by our guys, and it all goes back to how we practiced this week. I knew our guys were ready to go. We also had a chance to play a lot of people and challenge our backups.”
On Clemson’s defensive performance:
“We were physical up front. Cam Akers is a great running back for Florida State, and we were able to limit him to 34 rushing yards on nine carries. We did the little things better on defense and got our hands on some passes. That set the tone for everything else.”
