Florida State Fan Reads Book in Stands During Blowout Loss to Clemson
Clemson's 59–10 blowout win at Florida State on Saturday caused a number of Seminoles fans to leave Doak Campbell Stadium early. But one fan decided to use the time to enjoy the Tallahassee sunshine and crack open a book.
Bruce Thyer, a 65-year-old Florida State professor, looked to be in the early chapters of Gillian Flynn's 2009 novel Dark Places late in the third quarter when cameras noticed him.
Thyer attended the game with his 18-year-old daughter, a sophomore at Florida State, and her four friends, according to The Athletic. The professor said that the women left at halftime and he felt chilly sitting on the west side of the stadium. Thyer decided to move to the opposite side of the field to warm up.
When asked about his book of choice, Thyer called Flynn "a really good mystery writer."
The dark thriller was a fitting choice for Saturday's game. The Seminoles now sit 2–4 in the ACC in the first year with head coach Willie Taggert.
Saturday's loss tied the largest margin of defeat in Florida State history, matching a 49-point loss at Florida in 1973. Saturday marked the Seminoles' worst-ever home loss.
The Seminoles couldn't slow down Clemson's passing attack on Saturday. Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns, while the Tigers added another three scores on the ground. Florida State committed 16 penalties for 140 yards on the afternoon, turning the ball over twice.
Florida State's schedule doesn't get much easier to close the season. The Seminoles will play No. 22 N.C. State on Nov. 3, then face No. 3 Notre Dame on Nov. 10. They will close their season at home against No. 9 Florida on Nov. 24.
