Clemson fell to Florida State Saturday 31-24 in overtime as the Seminoles needed just two plays to score in overtime, and the Tigers struggled when it mattered the most.
The Tigers had an opportunity in overtime to make something happen and were in a good position. A Will Shipley tough 9-yard run set the offense up with a 3rd and 1. The next play on a designed RPO, starting quarterback Cade Klubnik made the wrong read and threw a screen to Adam Randall, which resulted in a 0-yard reception.
On 4th and 1, Klubnik and wide receiver Beaux Collins failed to connect as Florida State won the game. After the game, Klubnik acknowledged his mistake and took responsibility.
“Should’ve handed the ball off. I mean, that’s not the coaches; that’s my fault,” said the starting quarterback. We had an option to the receiver side. You have an option to throw the screen, and you have an option to run it, and then there’s only two guys over our three guys. So like normally, my base rule is that’s three over two – if we catch it and two guys block two guys, then we should probably at least get the first down; if not we might be able to score. And just gotta know it’s 3rd-and-1, don’t worry about that. Screens can get iffy on short downs, so let’s just hand it off and go get the first. So, that’s my fault.”
It was a tough finish to the game for Klubnik and the offense but a learning experience for the sophomore quarterback.