I’m going to do a series of Top 5s against Clemson leading up to the showdown next weekend. First up will be the Top 5 plays FSU has made against Clemson. The criteria is jumbled and unscientific. I take awesomeness of play, significance of play, guts of play call, etc and insert those variables into a a highly proprietary algorithm in my head and spit these out. On a personal note, I was lucky enough to be at the game for plays #3, 2, and 1.
5. Derrick Brooks Goal Line Stop – ’93 Tallahassee
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Not a very impactful play as far as the game goes as this was a 57-0 beatdown of #21 Clemson by the #1 ranked Seminoles. It makes the list at number 5 because of the shear amazement of that hit that kept Clemson out of the endzone and preserved the shutout. It also helps that it was made by one of the all-time Seminole Greats.
4. Weinke to Snoop – ’00 Tallahassee
Much like play #1, this had little impact on the outcome of the game as the #4 Noles crushed the #10 Tigers in this one 54-7. It is an iconic play in Seminole lore, however, and one of the great play fakes of all time. It the live television shot, the camera doesn’t even pick up the pass as the cameraman was focused on the running back in the pile. It is tied for the longest TD pass in Florida State history.
3. Dustin Hopkins Kick – ’10 Tallahassee
Unlike the first two plays, this one had a just a bit of an impact on the end of the game. A sloppy game in which neither team was all that impressive, FSU had a chance with the ball late. Unable to move the ball deep into Clemson territory, the Noles turned to their strong legged sophomore kicker, Dustin Hopkins. Hopkins hit the ball so hard it sounded like a cannon going off on the TV feed. It sent Doak Campbell Stadium into a frenzied celebration and ended a two game loosing skid in the 2010 season.
2. Deion Sanders Punt Return – ’88 Clemson
Take one part iconic Seminole player, throw in a 2nd half touchdown deficit, mix in amazing play, sprinkle with a Top 10 matchup. Those ingredients give you the 2nd best play in FSU history against Clemson. Early in the 3rd quarter, Deion Sanders took a punt 76 yards to the end zone to tie up the game and give the Seminoles much needed momentum.
1. Puntrooskie – ’88 at Clemson
Amazing play? Check. Unbelievably gutsy play call? Check. Top 10 Matchup? Check. Game impacting play? Check. Seminole great making the play? Check. The truly incredible part is that play number 2 and play number 1 happened within a quarter of each other. With the Noles and Tigers tied up at 21 with just 2 minutes left and Clemson building momentum, FSU was forced to punt from their own 20 yard line. Bobby Bowden had other things in mind and called a fake punt that was handed to the upback, Leroy Butler. A stunned crowd was left in silence as the Noles kicked the winning field goal with 32 seconds left.