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The Clemson football team picked up an ACC win over rival Florida State in Death Valley on Saturday. Fans quickly stormed the field in celebration.
In doing so, they put the school at risk of a hefty league fine. The fanbase refused to obey the conference’s preseason demands.
Storming the field has been a point of contention throughout the last few years with an emphasis being put on both player and fan safety.
Those that attend games in-person relish the opportunity to run onto the field and celebrate victory alongside the players and coaches. It’s something that makes college sports great.
The NCAA and its conferences, however, want to ensure the interactions with opposing players are kept at a minimum.
New protocols were implemented in the offseason. Fans can still storm the field after games. They must wait a predetermined period of time or risk financial punishment.
Clemson fans stormed the field after beating Florida State.
It’s something that is seen after every Clemson home game, win or lose. For that reason, the new field rushing protocol impacted the Tigers more than others.
On Saturday, the Dabo Swinney’s bunch jumped out to an 18-0 lead before handing the Seminoles a 24-10 loss. It was a much-needed win.
Clemson was once dominant in Memorial Stadium, leading the nation with a 40-game home winning streak before being beaten by South Carolina in 2022. Since, the homefield advantage has disappeared.
Over the last two seasons, the Tigers are just 3-6 vs. Power 4 teams in Death Valley. They’d lost six straight to P4 competition in Clemson entering the weekend, with an 0-4 mark in 2025.
The streak ended on Saturday. Administration braced for a crowd reaction in the final moments of action. Their pleas were not heard.
Clemson reminding fans to not come onto the field early. First time this year they’ve had to really hammer this home. pic.twitter.com/0pNIiX75Xa
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 9, 2025
Protocol reminders flashed across the videoboard with the game all but over. Fans disregarded the messages to celebrate the moment.
Clemson beats FSU 24-10 to snap a six-game losing streak against power conference teams at home.
First such win since Oct. 19, 2024 vs. UVA.
And Death Valley has sprung a leak. Students do not wait until the conclusion of the alma mater. pic.twitter.com/CXwoZAqpmn
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 9, 2025
Will the school be fined?
Clemson fans did not wait the necessary amount of time before rushing onto the field. It could result in a fine.
North Carolina State received a $50,000 punishment after its fans stormed the field following a win over previously unbeaten Georgia Tech last week.
The Tigers may very well see the same.
In this case, it does not seem any negative fan/player interactions occurred. It appeared most everyone on the opposing sideline had already left the field.
That should play into the Tigers’ favor as the ACC comes to its decision.
We have seen ugly incidents this season involving home fans and opponents. A Texas Tech football player got into a physical altercation with an Arizona State fan following a win in Tempe last month.
That came a week after an Iowa State player had to rip his helmet from the grasp of a Colorado fan after a surprise upset.
The new rules have been put in place to avoid these situations. Clemson fans did not appear to adhere to the policy on Saturday. We’ll see if the ACC drops the hammer.