FSU quarterback embraces challenge ahead of Clemson

Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels believes he is playing his best football of the season, even if he still sees plenty left on the field. During an interview with ACC analyst Eric Mac Lain, Daniels reflected on his recent play and looked ahead to Saturday night's matchup with the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium.

"I'm playing my best football right now, but I also know I'm leaving so much out there on the field," Daniels said. "A couple plays here and there that maybe I made the right decision, I made the right read, had a better throw, and would've put us in even better position to win the game."

That confidence comes after one of Daniels' strongest performances of the season. Against the Miami Hurricanes, he threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns while adding another score on the ground in FSU's 43-35 double-overtime loss. The performance earned Daniels his second ACC Quarterback of the Week honor of the season.

Daniels said the next step is continuing to build on that progress.

"For me now, it's just continue to stack and be better than yesterday," he said.

Clemson will provide a difficult test, particularly in the secondary. Daniels singled out junior cornerback Ashton Hampton, calling him "one of the best corners in the country." Hampton has earned Midseason All-America recognition from multiple outlets and has recorded an interception and nine pass breakups this season.

"I'm just excited for that," Daniels said. "To be able to go and prove my connection with Duce or Micahi or anybody in the receiver room against a very, very, very talented DB room."

The challenge extends beyond Clemson's secondary. The Tigers have recorded 20 sacks through seven games, third-most in the ACC, and are averaging 2.86 per game. Clemson is also allowing only 317 yards per contest, fifth-best in the conference.

"It's going to be a great challenge," Daniels said.

Florida State hosts Clemson Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network. The Seminoles enter at 3-4, looking to snap a two-game losing streak and begin the final five-game stretch of the regular season with a win.