FSU runs past Clemson 41-27

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Coming off a tough loss against Georgia Tech, Florida State returned home to Doak S. Campbell Stadium needing a win against a struggling Clemson Tiger squad to keep their conference title hopes alive.

The Seminoles got the job done. FSU came away with their first win against Clemson in four years despite looking shaky at first.

Clemson jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and quieted the crowd before the 'Noles roared back with 13 unanswered points.

The early rally was sparked by an interception return for a touchdown by defensive end Neefy Moffett.

"I was at nose guard and we had a little stunt where the end goes in and I go around ," Moffett said. "I saw the screen at the last minute and when Everette Brown it the quarterback it caused a bad throw and I just intercepted it and scored. I felt like I owed my team that. Everette did all the work and I did the easy part."

The offense did their part too.

"Anytime they got ahead of us, our offense responded," head coach Bobby Bowden said.

The Seminoles defense, led by Everette Brown who recorded three sacks, applied pressure to Clemson starting quarterback Cullen Harper all night long. As a whole, the 'Noles defense recorded six sacks on the evening.

But the real story of the game was the success of the 'Noles rushing attack.

Florida State rolled up their sleeves and ran the ball effectively for four quarters amassing 266 yards on the ground on their way to a 41-27 victory.

"Our running game has really made our offense," Bobby Bowden said. "If we had to go out there and throw, throw, throw, you can see what happens. But our running game is really doing well."

"I'm very happy with our running game," he added. "Our offense begins with the offensive line, the tight end, the fullback."

Jermaine Thomas once again had a very impressive showing as the true freshman gashed the Clemson defense for 95 yards on 11 carries.

With the win, Florida State improves to 7-2 and 4-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play and is now bowl eligible for the 27th straight season.