Florida State Defeats Clemson 49-37 As FSU QB E.J. Manuel Auditions For A Heisman Trophy

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told me last spring that the team most pundits thought was a national championship contender last year he has this year.

Last night at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida FSU’s 49-37 win over Clemson may have proved Fisher’s statement.

Here’s some highlights from the Seminoles big win. (Thanks WTXL-TV Tallahassee, Fla)



Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel may have put himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation with his best performance as a Seminole.  Manuel had career highs in passing yards (380) and rushing yards (102).  Manuel became the first Seminole quarterback to threw of over 300 yards and run for over 100 yards since Charlie Ward did it in 1992.

Ironically it was Ward, a Heisman Trophy winner, who offered Manuel advice before the game.

“I talked to him last night.” Manuel said. “ He told me to go out there and take what they gave me. That's a huge accomplishment."

“I am going to have to look at the film, but I don't remember him making a bad decision all night.” Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said.

It helped Manuel’s cause that he had a career night and a big win on national TV.

South Florida is next for Florida State next Saturday in Tampa.  Let’s see if the Seminoles can back up an emotional conference win with a win over the Bulls, who lost to Ball State this week.  If Florida State can do and in dominating fashion then this might be a special team.

More highlights from ESPN