Clemson Defense Bounces Back, Bows up vs. FSU
By: Gavin Oliver November 9, 2025

Clemson’s much-maligned defense bounced back with a much better showing in Saturday night’s 24-10 win over Florida State at Memorial Stadium.

A week after a dismal defensive performance against Duke – a day that was filled with coverage busts and receivers running wide open all over the field – the Tigers mostly held the Seminoles’ offense in check.

Sure, Clemson (4-5, 3-4 ACC) once again had some more coverage busts, but fortunately for the Tigers, FSU (4-5, 1-5) was not able to take advantage of them. The Noles had opportunities to put more points on the board, but at the end of the day, the Tigers allowed just a single touchdown – and only three points after halftime.

Sometimes you need a little luck, and Clemson certainly caught its share of breaks. Still, the Tigers bowed up when they had to.

Aside from the one occasion where FSU found the end zone, Clemson forced four punts, recovered a fumble and forced two turnovers on downs, including one late in the fourth quarter with the Noles driving, down 24-10. On FSU’s next possession, Clemson safety Ricardo Jones came up with a game-sealing interception just before the two-minute timeout.  

The 10 points the Tigers allowed are tied for the fewest they’ve given up this season (North Carolina, Boston College).

Florida State entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation in total offense (510.5 yards per game). Clemson held Florida State to a season-low 360 yards of offense, only the second time this season the Seminoles have been held below 400 yards (382 vs. Alabama). Florida State also entered the game first in the ACC and seventh in the nation in points per game (40.0). Clemson held Florida State to a season-low 10 points.

The Tigers posted nine tackles for loss as well as a season-high six sacks, with cornerback Avieon Terrell recording two big ones. Kobe McCloud, Will Heldt, Sammy Brown and Jeremiah Alexander all had one each.

Overall, it was a significant turnaround for a Clemson defense that allowed 81 combined points over the past two games in losses to Duke and SMU. The Tigers will try to build off this defensive effort next Friday when they travel to Louisville for a 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) matchup at the Cardinals’ L&N Stadium.