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Florida State is leaning into the atmosphere surrounding one of the ACC’s most familiar matchups. The Seminoles released a new hype video ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Clemson Tigers, setting the stage for a Halloween showdown at Doak Campbell Stadium that FSU has dubbed “Operation Garnet Storm.”
Florida State and Clemson will meet for the 39th time, with the Seminoles holding a 21-17 advantage in the all-time series. FSU is 12-7 against the Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium and will look to snap a two-game losing streak in the series.
The game carries added importance for two programs trying to gain momentum entering the final month of the regular season. Florida State comes out of its second bye week at 3-4 overall and 1-3 in ACC play, while Clemson arrives at 4-3 and 2-2 following a 20-16 loss to Virginia Tech.
Saturday will also feature one of Florida State’s most ambitious game-day presentations of the season.
“Operation Garnet Storm” combines FSU’s Military Appreciation game with a series of Halloween-themed events. The day includes a Trunk or Treat on Langford Green, a pregame parachute jump by the USSOCOM Para-Commandos and recognition of Seminoles legend Peter Warrick.
The centerpiece will come at halftime with the beginning of Garnet Hour, featuring the Marching Chiefs, stadium lighting and Florida State’s first-ever drone show. The presentation will continue into the second half with additional light displays, pyrotechnics and fan participation.
For FSU, the spectacle surrounding the game only adds to the importance of what happens on the field. The Seminoles enter the final five games of the regular season needing three victories to secure bowl eligibility.
Their first opportunity comes under the lights on Halloween night against one of their longest-running ACC rivals. Kickoff from Doak Campbell Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network.