CLEMSON — Florida State gave Clemson the ball first, hoping that it would earn a quick stop and get on the board first. The Tigers’ offense, however, had different plans in a 24-10 victory at Memorial Stadium.

On the opening coin flip, the Seminoles chose correctly and used their choice to send the ball to the Tigers, deferring possession to the start of the second half. They would be wise to do that, too, as the Tigers scored a touchdown on their opening drive only once this season against UNC. Other than that, Clemson’s opening offense has been stagnant and unlively.

It seemed as if a flip was switched on Saturday, as the Tigers (4-5, 3-4 ACC) opened things up and held control of the line of scrimmage from the beginning. A few runs by running back Adam Randall and a catch from tight end Olsen Patt-Henry helped bring Clemson further down the field in the opening minutes.

After driving steadily into the red zone, quarterback Cade Klubnik dropped back and found an open hole on the right side of the offensive line. He stepped up and took off, bringing Clemson their first score of the game and starting off hot. A 13-play, 75-yard drive was capped off with not only a touchdown, but also a rush by special teamer Clay Swinney for a successful two-point conversion.

This drive set the tone for the rest of the game, especially for the Tigers. Both teams traded short drives and punts, and the Tiger defense stood out, only allowing 56 yards on FSU’s four drives until the next score. The score came from Clemson yet again, where a turnover on downs for the Seminoles allowed the Tigers to start in enemy territory at the beginning of the drive.

Much like the first drive, the line of scrimmage was in complete control of the Tigers, and the Clemson offensive line was blocking with a passion. On their second play, Klubnik sent a ball towards the end zone to receiver Antonio Williams, who snagged it over a defender and came down with it for the touchdown. On their following drive, they continued to move progressively and dominate possession and control before kicking a field goal for an 18-0 lead.

Despite a late-second-quarter score from the Seminoles, the game felt like it was fully grasped by the Tigers from the start. The same story continued in the second half, as the Tigers forced a missed field goal from Florida State and proceeded to put together a long drive ending in another field goal. It felt like Clemson’s world, and the Seminoles were just living in it and getting what was allowed to them.

The Tigers dominated possession and took the clock down in the fourth quarter, with both teams exchanging field goals before Florida State put together a final drive to reduce their 14-point deficit. Tonight’s theme of control held true, as Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos followed an intentional grounding call with a slip when rolling out of the pocket, turning the ball over on downs once again. The Seminoles had one more chance following a Clemson punt, but it was quickly shut down by an interception from defender Ricardo Jones, which effectively ended the contest.

With control on both sides of the ball, Clemson was able to maintain momentum and take the wheel from the very first drive. It was this control that enabled the Tigers to earn their second home win of the season, and giving themselves a better chance at bowl game.