Noles Put Spear in Tigers

The Tigers fell back below 0.500 for the season with a loss to Florida State that finally put the nail in the coffin for an expected ACC championship. For the first time this season, the loss fell squarely on the defense, as they allowed FSU to rack up over 200 yards rushing and could not get off the field in the second half. Clemson actually came out firing to start the game and opened a quick 10-0 lead. Everything was clicking on offense and the pass rush was getting to FSU quarterback Christian Ponder. That quickly reversed when Cullen Harper threw his 72nd interception of the season (not really, but it seems like that) right to an FSU defensive lineman who returned it for a touchdown. From there, FSU's running game took off and their defense plugged up the line for the remainder of the afternoon. The loss means Clemson's only hope for a bowl game lies in winning their last three games. Next week is homecoming against a surprisingly frisky Duke team, followed by a trip to Virginia and the season-ender against South Carolina.