Eds: APNewsNow; Clemson 40, Florida St. 24.

AP Photo SCMC112, SCMC113, SCMC114 By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) C.J. Spiller had a career-high 165 yards rushing and his 20th touchdown of at least 50 yards and Clemson took its biggest step yet toward an Atlantic Coast Conference title with a 40-24 victory over Florida State on Saturday night.

Spiller, the Tigers' star senior, caught a 58-yard TD pass from Kyle Parker and, with 312 all-purpose yards, surpassed the school record of 310 he set in Clemson's 40-37 overtime win at Miami two weeks ago.

He also closed Clemson's fifth victory over the Seminoles in the past seven meetings with a high-stepping, 5-yard scoring run as the orange-clad fans shook Death Valley.

Spiller and the Tigers (6-3, 4-2) are now in control of the ACC's Atlantic Division with games against North Carolina State and Virginia left.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-07-09 2226CST | save this article / add to your favorites list