Florida State Seminoles

FSU Football: Top 5 Wins All Time Over Clemson

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With FSU football hosting the Clemson Tigers this weekend, we take a look at the top five wins for the Seminoles all time in the series.

In just a matter of days, the two most dominant teams in the ACC over the last half decade will take to the field when FSU football host the Clemson Tigers. At the start of the year, this was the game that was expected to not only decide the conference title, but also a spot in the College Football Playoff.

While this year’s game may no longer mean as much as it did back in August, it still will have a say in both the ACC’s chances of getting to the CFB as well as bowl placement for both teams – making it more than likely another classic meeting between the programs.

With the Seminoles leading the all-time series 20-9, here’s the top five wins all time for FSU over Clemson.

Sep 20, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Karlos Williams (9) celebrates his overtime touchdown with teammates offensive tackle Bobby Hart (51) and offensive tackle Cameron Erving (75) against the Clemson Tigers for their 23-17 overtime win at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 – Florida State 23 Clemson 17 (OT) / September 20, 2014

One year after another classic win for the ‘Noles (more on that later), the teams were again in front of a national television audience as the Game of the Week – while the Seminoles were without the defending Heisman winner as Jameis Winston was suspended for this contest.

In stepped Sean Maguire, who did just enough when needed – including a long touchdown to Rashad Greene. The defense stepped up and forced overtime, in which the Tigers got shut down on fourth down – leaving Karlos Williams to run for the game winning score on FSU’s first drive.

Oct 26, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Former Florida State Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden is honored before the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 – Florida State 17 Clemson 14 / October 23, 1999

For the first time in the history of what was then called Division 1-A football, father and son would coach against each other when legendary FSU head coach Bobby Bowden faced one of his sons, Tommy, as the ‘Noles looked to stay unbeaten on the year.

Tommy’s team kept it close for most of the game, as the Seminoles came back from 11 down in the second half to take a lead when Sebastian Janikowski kicked the game winning field goal with less than six minutes to play. It would be the closest margin of victory during FSU’s second national title winning season.

Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles mascot Chief Osceola stands on the field prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated Florida Gators 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 – Florida State 54 Clemson 7 / November 4, 2000

The following year, the teams met for the first time since 1988 where they both were ranked inside the top 10. That ranking, however, was not an indicator of what was going to take place on the field that night.

Up just 10-7 after the first quarter, the Seminoles scored 44 unanswered points and left no doubt in this one. Chris Weinke would get two touchdowns on the night and further pad his Heisman Trophy resume as the ‘Noles marched toward their third straight appearance in the national title game.

No. 2 – Florida State 24 Clemson 21 / September 17, 1988

It was a game that will be remembered for one play and can conjure up memories both good and bad (depending on what fan base you are talking to) by saying just one simple word that isn’t really a word: Puntrooskie.

With the game tied at 21 late in the fourth quarter, FSU football tricked out the entire Clemson punt return team when LeRoy Butler took the ball all the way down inside the five yard line on a fake punt, giving the ‘Noles a chance for the game winning field goal in a game no one will forget.

Oct 19, 2013; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 – Florida State 51 Clemson 14 / October 19, 2013

This was supposed to be the end of the line for the undefeated Seminoles. Heading into Clemson against a Tigers team that had more depth and experience, including quarterback Tajh Boyd over FSU’s freshman named Jameis, meant that the Tigers were going to handle business.

From kickoff, this game belonged to the Seminoles – including that guy named Jameis throwing for only 444 yards and three touchdowns – while the defense smothered the men in orange all night. The victory was one of the most memorable from FSU football’s third national title winning season.