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Clemson, Florida State Renew Rivalry with ACC Supremacy on the Line

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Feb 10, 2025 9:04 AM ET

Few matchups in college football carry the weight of Clemson vs. Florida State. The two ACC powerhouses have defined the conference for over a decade, with their annual clash often serving as a de facto championship preview. On Nov. 8, the rivalry returns to Death Valley, where the Tigers will look to extend their dominance over the Seminoles and maintain their grip on the ACC.

Under the ACC’s new scheduling model, Florida State remains Clemson’s lone protected conference rival, ensuring that this high-stakes showdown remains an annual fixture. History suggests that will continue to be significant—since 2011, the winner of this game has gone on to win the ACC in 12 of the last 13 seasons.

Clemson enters the matchup having won eight of the last nine meetings against Florida State, including a 4-1 mark in Death Valley over that stretch. But while the Tigers have largely controlled the rivalry in recent years, the Seminoles have been on the rise. Florida State has reasserted itself as a national contender, and with both programs eyeing College Football Playoff berths, this game could have massive postseason implications.

For Clemson, this game will mark the midpoint of a grueling five-game November stretch, making a victory even more crucial. Dabo Swinney’s team has historically played its best football late in the season, and with the energy of Memorial Stadium behind them, the Tigers will look to take another step toward their championship aspirations.

With ACC supremacy—and potentially more—on the line, Clemson vs. Florida State remains must-watch football. The rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments for decades, and on Nov. 8, another chapter will be written in Death Valley.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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