CLEMSON — The Clemson Tigers started off hot against No. 4 Florida State in front of a sold-out Death Valley. Late in the half, the Seminoles found a pulse to cut into the lead before… With Clemson holding a 17-14 lead, here’s the thoughts heading into halftime.

-Cade Klubnik made his best reads of the season so far during the first half. While he was often under duress, he stayed poised and delivered multiple throws for first downs with Jared Verse and company breathing down his neck. Credit Garrett Riley as well with easily his best play-calling, and it’s clear he saved a lot of the bag for this game. Klubnik’s halftime numbers are impressive with 13-18, 190 yards and two total touchdowns.

-Renowned as a rusher, running back Will Shipley’s first two touchdowns of the season are through the air. His second extended the Tigers’ lead to double digits on a 10-yard score. Shipley was fired up after the score and got the student section amped.

-Clemson’s defense answered the call with a scoreless first quarter. The final play of the period being a sack by linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Death Valley exploded with cheers after Trotter discarded Jordan Travis. Wes Goodwin’s window dressing was glorious, starting with Xavier Thomas at MIKE to distract the Florida State offensive line and Trotter went in unblocked.

-Freshman wide receiver Tyler Brown’s responsibilities increased with Antonio Williams out, and you couldn’t hope for a better start out of him. Three catches for 62 yards, including a diving 28-yard grab that set up Clemson for the first touchdown. He hurt his shoulder on the play, but returned to the game on the next drive. The Tigers need him as he’s been their best weapon so far against the Seminoles.

-Travis was favoring his left arm throughout the first half. With a brace on, Trotter’s sack appeared to aggravate it and he was clearly bothered. Clemson smelt blood, but Travis woke up and delivered back-to-back 75-yard touchdown drives. Those two drives were their entire offense with just six net yards before it. Wes Goodwin’s turn to adjust, especially since the Seminoles start the second half with the ball.

-Florida State’s calling card is their speed, and the Tigers came out with the physicality. The Seminoles are yet to adjust to it and that’s a large reason why it’s a 10-0 lead. Florida State was almost entirely reliant on the pass game with just 18 yards on the ground. Mike Norvell’s squad caught fire, but it was still a solid first half for the Tigers.