Clemson Beats Florida State 36-24 as Reynolds Seals Win With 79-Yard Touchdown Run

Clemson beat Florida State 36-24 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Quarterback Tait Reynolds sealed the win with a 79-yard touchdown run with 3:17 remaining, on a third-and-12 play, after Florida State had cut a 29-10 fourth-quarter deficit to 29-24 with two touchdowns.

Reynolds carries the Clemson offense

Reynolds completed 18 of 32 passes for 189 yards and rushed for a season-high 85 yards. He threw his first two touchdown passes since September 19 in this game. His first score came early, when he connected with tight end Christian Bentancur for an 18-yard touchdown on Clemson's second drive of the night.

Clemson led 23-10 at halftime. The lead reached 29-10 in the fourth quarter before Florida State scored twice to make it a five-point game. Florida State had entered the game favored by nearly a touchdown, and the home crowd had reason to believe late, right up until Reynolds broke free on third-and-12 and ran 79 yards for the touchdown that ended the comeback.

How the finish played out

The scoring flow shows how close Florida State came to completing the comeback. Clemson built a 23-10 halftime lead and stretched it to 29-10 in the fourth quarter, then watched Florida State score two touchdowns to pull within five points at 29-24. The Seminoles had the momentum, and Clemson faced a third-and-12 with the game in the balance. Reynolds ran 79 yards for the touchdown that restored a two-score margin, and the game ended 36-24.

Thurmon taken to hospital in the second quarter

Clemson offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon was taken to the hospital for testing after a head injury in the second quarter. He was down on the field for nearly 10 minutes and was carted off, and he gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he left. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told the ACC Network broadcast at halftime that Thurmon was responsive and moving.

What the result means

Clemson improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the ACC with the road win. Florida State fell to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in the ACC, and the Seminoles are now 1-5 against Power Four competition this season. According to On3, the loss adds to questions about head coach Mike Norvell's future at Florida State.