Tigers let big fish off hook

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Clemson had the big one hooked only to lose it at the boat.

The Tigers will be back here for another chance two years hence, but the pain from this one may linger until then.

Clemson blew four scoring opportunities in the red zone and let unbeaten and top-ranked Florida State slip off the hook in a 23-17 overtime loss Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

"We did a lot of great things and were in position to win the game – many times," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "We just didn't do it. It's something we've got to grow up from."

Growing up can be a painful process, but this defeat may qualify as a downright affront to one's dignity.

The Tigers were poised to make some history Saturday night, including knocking off a No. 1-ranked team for the first time in program history and halting the Seminoles' Atlantic Coast Conference-record 18-game winning streak.

For much of the game, it appeared Clemson would do just that. After floundering a bit early, the Tigers took command, completely throttling Florida State's rushing attack and repeatedly making the type of plays on offense that teams need to make to win games of this magnitude.

With Jameis Winston -- the Heisman Trophy winning quarterback who's also saddled with a disturbing lack of off-field judgment --watching from the sidelines, the Tigers took everyone along for a wild ride, then went careening out of control at the most inopportune times.

Two missed field goals.

A wide-open touchdown pass thrown at a receiver's feet.

A snap that sailed over the quarterback's head on a third-down play from the Seminoles' 1-foot line.

A fumble at the Florida State 15 with 1:36 left in regulation.

It all added up to a collective meltdown that allowed the Seminoles to steal off into the Tallahassee night with their winning streak extended and an inside track to yet another ACC Atlantic Division title secure.

"Everybody in Clemson nation's hurting big time, but hang in there with us," Swinney said. "We've got a long way to go."

At 1-2 and likely to drop out of the polls for the first time since Sept. 11, 2011, the Tigers certainly do have plenty of work ahead, beginning with Saturday's game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium – the first of three consecutive home games.

That game should serve as instant relief -- after all, the Tar Heels surrendered 70 points at East Carolina on Saturday -- and perhaps help launch the Tigers back into the Top 25.

There are more questions that arise after gut-wrenching defeats, but one question that apparently was answered emphatically Saturday night was who will be the Tigers' starting quarterback next week.

Freshman Deshaun Watson replaced Cole Stoudt on Clemson's fourth offensive series and never looked back. He wound up completing 19 of 28 passes for 266 yards and rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown.

"He came in and took us down the field," Swinney said. "We stuck with him, and he continued to bring a good spark.

"Deshaun really separated. He made some big-time plays for a true freshman in that environment. He made some awesome runs, extended some plays and I'm proud of him. He gave us a chance to win the game.

"As far as where we go from here, we'll continue to evaluate, but I think after tonight's performance he's earned the right to have the chance to go be the starter next week. My hat's off to No. 4. Cole will still play; we're not writing Cole off, but that's the nature of the business."

Watson played his guts out in front of 82,316 fans, less than a year after romping around the fields of northeastern Georgia as a standout quarterback at Gainesville High.

He seemed unfazed by it all, including his chance for the first start of his career.

"If it's my time and that's what they want to do, then hey, I'm up for it," Watson said.

Watson may be too young and naïve to feel any pressure, or at least it seems that way. He plays loose and carefree, like it's a backyard pick-up game with some friends.

Or maybe he's just wiser and cooler than we think.

"This was something any freshman would dream about – having a chance to beat the No. 1 team in the country at their place," Watson said. "We came on the road and tried to steal one, but now we have to grow from it. We've got to move forward."