College Football

FSU Football: Top 5 Impact Players Against Clemson

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:07 p.m. ET

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Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) outruns Clemson linebacker Korrin Wiggins (15) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Clemson won 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

FSU football came up a tad short in its bid to upset Clemson Saturday night. We take a look at the top five impact players for the ‘Noles.

It was a game that didn’t have ACC Atlantic title implications on the line, but that didn’t stop the game from delivering in suspense and great plays.

The ‘Noles survived their customary slow start of giving up two touchdowns before settling into a 17-14 deficit at halftime.

There were several individual performances on the night. Some of them expected from key contributors, but there were a couple that showed up right on time.

Let’s take a look at the five impact players for the game.

Oct 31, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) celebrates a tackle for a loss against the Syracuse Orange at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Nnadi

What a game for the big guy in the middle. Nnadi gave the Clemson offensive line fits all night long when the FSU defense needed it most.

He finished the night with eight tackles (four solo), a sack and two tackles for a loss. How often do you see people on Twitter touting the play of a defensive lineman in the middle?

Check it:

Heck of game last night @DerrickNnadi keep your head up bro

— Ravens 3-4🙄 (@TakeOff_757) October 30, 2016

If you’re watching #FSUvsClemson you’ve been hearing Derrick Nnadi (Ocean Lakes) and Josh Sweat (Oscar Smith) names ALOT. #757Represent

— Kyle (@KyleSports757) October 30, 2016

That’s good stuff right there.

Sep 5, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Texas State Bobcats quarterback Tyler Walker eludes Florida State Seminoles defender DeMarcus Walker (44) at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Walker

Derrick Nnadi was wrecking havoc in the middle and DeMarcus Walker was bringing heat off the edge.

He finished the game with 10 tackles (three solo) and two passes defended. One of the most impressive things I recall seeing was Walker not rushing at times, and waiting to knock Deshaun Watson’s passes down at the line of scrimmage.

That’s a veteran move as Clemson often uses quick passes that will not allow the pass rush to get there in time.

Those type of things also affected Watson as he has to be conscious of getting the ball elevated over the line of scrimmage which could have affected his accuracy at times.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) runs with the ball after making a second half catch at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Florida State Seminoles defeat the Charleston Southern Buccaneers 52-8. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Nyqwan Murray

What a time for “Noonie” to show up this season. If you’ll recall, Murray was absolutely killing it in fall camp, but has been virtually invisible all season prior to Saturday night.

He finished the game with six receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. Murray was able to get in the lineup because Jesus “Bobo” Wilson is injured, and man did he make the most of his opportunity.

He showed exceptionally strong hands and great body control, all things we’ve heard about in practice from Coach Jimbo Fisher and his teammates.

Here’s to hoping Murray can be consist on and off the field going forward to having the same type of impact.

Sep 10, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Charleston Southern Buccaneers quarterback Robert Mitchell (10) tries to escape the defensive pressure of Florida State Seminoles linebacker Matthew Thomas (6) and defensive back Trey Marshall (20) after having his helmet ripped off in the first half of action at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Marshall

It’s amazing that a player can make this list and not play the entire game right? Marshall was ejected with around 11 minutes left in the game for a bogus targeting call.

He finished the game with 11 tackles (eight solo) and one pass defended on the night. Want to know just how impactful Marshall was on the night?

After he was ejected, Clemson was able to score 17 points in the fourth quarter, attacking via the passing game where Marshall would have been.

They had only scored 20 through three-quarters with Marshall in the game.

Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) stretches before the game against the North Carolina Tarheels at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook

The greatest running back in the history of FSU football. The best running back in the country, and who should be a Heisman finalist at the very least.

I’m legit sad that Dalvin Cook will only be in a FSU uniform five more times (counting the bowl game) in his college career.

He torched Clemson in 2015 and did the same thing on Saturday night. Cook finished with 169 yards on 19 carries, while scoring four touchdowns.

He also had two receptions for 15 yards on the night. Cook is a special player and Dabo Swinney continued to give him praise in his post-game press conference.