Clemson's 36-24 victory over Florida State powered by 189-yard passing game

Clemson defeated Florida State 36-24 on Saturday night in Tallahassee, Florida.

Tait Reynolds completed 18 of 32 passes for 189 yards. The freshman quarterback threw touchdown passes to Christian Bentancur and Olsen Patt-Henry in the first half. These were his first touchdown passes in four games. Clemson led 23-10 after 30 minutes of play.

Reynolds secured the lead with a 79-yard touchdown run on third-and-12. He broke free with 3 minutes and 17 seconds remaining. Clemson improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tigers took the victory formation in the final minute after scoring on eight of their 13 drives.

Nolan Hauser made all five field goal attempts. He kicked from 50, 49, 46, 35, and 35 yards out. Hauser has converted 23 of 24 field goal attempts in the 2026 season. Elyjah Thurmon, the starting left guard, lay on the grass for about 10 minutes in the second quarter. He gave a thumbs up while being transported off the field on a cart.

Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels completed 21 of 33 passes for 350 yards. He threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball. Daniels connected with Micahi Danzy on a 46-yard touchdown pass and with Jasen Lopez on a 41-yard touchdown pass. He also ran for a 13-yard score. The Seminoles dropped to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the conference. They lost their third straight game in this series.

Florida State played its first game without leading rusher Ousmane Kromah. The team managed 65 rushing yards on 29 carries. Clemson will play at Syracuse on Saturday. Florida State is scheduled to play at Boston College on Saturday.