CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Deshaun Watson threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Deon Cain and Wayne Gallman came through with a game-sealing score as No. 3 Clemson held off No. 17 Florida State and Dalvin Cook for a 23-13 victory Saturday to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division.
The win came on the first Saturday after the Tigers (9-0, 6-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) were chosen No. 1 in the College Football Playoff ranking.
Clemson trailed 10-6 at the break, going without a first-half touchdown for the first time this season. But Watson led three long scoring drives in the second half for the Tigers’ first win over the Seminoles since 2011.
Greg Huegel had three field goals, the last a 34-yarder in the fourth quarter to put Clemson ahead for good. Clemson’s defense took over from there, stopping the speedy Cook on fourth-and-1 with the Seminoles (7-2, 5-2; No. 16 CFP) driving.
Cook had 194 yards rushing, but only 37 came in the second half.