TALLAHASSEE — Florida State halted a nine-game ACC losing streak with a 42-7 win over Wake Forest on Saturday. But there’s another lengthy skid the Seminoles want to end, too.
Tuesday was an unfortunate anniversary for FSU, which hasn’t won an ACC road game in two years. The Seminoles have lost five consecutive ACC road games — or call it six if we’re counting a 2024 season-opening loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland. Regardless, FSU has not defeated an ACC team on the road since Nov. 4, 2023 at Pittsburgh.
FSU (4-4, 1-4 ACC) has a chance to halt that streak on Saturday at struggling Clemson (3-5, 2-4), which has lost to SMU and Duke and is in danger of its worst season since a 6-7 mark in 2010.
The Seminoles battled at Virginia before losing in overtime, although their loss at Stanford a few weeks ago was their worst game of 2025.
“There were times in the Virginia game that we played at a high level. There were times that we didn’t,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “The trip to Stanford … We did not go and execute, we did not go and play or coach to the ability that I know that we have.”
Norvell said the Seminoles need to play with the energy, detail and execution they did against Wake, whether the game is home or away. Here are three burning questions for FSU ahead of its game at Clemson (7 p.m. on ACC Network):
Can FSU’s defense slow Clemson’s talented receiving corps?
Clemson lost a top receiver to a season-ending injury in Bryant Wesco Jr., who had 537 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. But the Tigers are 13th in the FBS in pass offense and scored 45 points in a loss to Duke.
Cade Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for 10 receptions, 142 yards and a touchdown vs. Duke. FSU must also account for Clemson’s T.J. Moore (28 catches, 499 yards, four touchdowns).
Cornerback Ja’Bril Rawls has been one of FSU’s bright stars, and safety Earl Little Jr. has been an enforcer over the middle of the field. FSU’s secondary will have quite the challenge.
Can FSU’s run game get in gear?
The Seminoles accumulated 84 rushing yards on five chunk runs vs. Wake, but they picked up just 66 yards on the other 35 carries. FSU has the No. 8 rush offense in the nation (241.2 yards), but the numbers have been less impressive of late.
FSU has averaged more than 4 yards per carry just once the past four games — 3.5 vs. Miami, 4.2 against Pittsburgh, 3.1 at Stanford and 3.8 vs. Wake.
Clemson is 20th in the FBS in rush defense. But Syracuse (154 yards), Georgia Tech (148 yards) and SMU (139 yards) had success on the ground, contributing to wins over the Tigers.
What would a win mean for FSU in the big picture?
A fire sparked with FSU’s home loss to Pittsburgh, but it began to burn after the road defeat at Stanford. The victory over Wake was satisfying for many fans, because it was a rivalry win.
This looks like the worst Clemson team in 15 years, but the funny thing about memory: Fans savor (and remember) rivalry wins regardless of how good (or bad) the opponent is. If Norvell and the Seminoles can show the team is moving in a positive direction with a win at Clemson, he would be just a win short of bowl-eligibility. A positive November could pave the way for him to lead the program in 2026.
