Clemson's offense controlled the game as the Tigers defeated South Carolina 28-14. After a scoreless first quarter, Clemson took a 17-14 halftime lead and added a field goal in the third quarter to go up 20-14. In the fourth quarter, Clemson extended the lead on a pick-six and two-point conversion, effectively sealing the win. The Tigers improved to 7-5 (5-3 ACC) while the Gamecocks fell to 4-8 (1-7 ACC) while the Gamecocks fell to 4-8 (1-7 SEC). The Gamecocks outgained Clemson 422 yards to 415, threw for 381 yards, hit explosive plays, yet still never felt in control. Clemson, meanwhile, leaned into efficiency, ball control, and opportunistic defense, the holy trinity in an ugly, bitter Palmetto Bowl. It was a rivalry loss that felt preventable at every turn.
Statistical Breakdown
Total Offense
- South Carolina: 422 yards
- Clemson: 415 yards
USC actually won the yardage battle but lost by two touchdowns. That alone tells the story.
Passing
South Carolina: 381 passing yards (23-for-42)
- 9.1 yards per pass
- 2 interceptions
Clemson: 268 passing yards (24-for-39)
- 6.9 yards per pass
- 1 interception
LaNorris Sellers slung the football with confidence, hit some deep shots, and put pressure on Clemson's secondary. But two costly interceptions, including a late pick-six, erased every bit of the momentum he built.
Rushing
- South Carolina: 41 rushing yards on 19 attempts (2.2 YPC)
- Clemson: 147 rushing yards on 40 attempts (3.7 YPC)
Clemson didn't run wild, but they ran enough. South Carolina didn't run at tall. And in a rivalry game, imbalance gets exposed.
First Downs
- Clemson: 25
- South Carolina: 17
3rd Down Efficiency
- South Carolina: 1-for-11
- Clemson: 7-for-17
This sums up South Carolina's season in single stat. You cannot win games when you can't convery third downs.
Turnovers
- South Carolina: 4 total turnovers, 2 fumbles lost, 2 interceptions
- Clemson: 1
Time of Possession
- Clemson: 38:44
- South Carolina: 21:16
This was the silent killer. Clemson strangled the clock, doubled South Carolina's possession time, and made the Gamecocks chase the game.
Bottom Line
South Carolina got out-coached and out-executed. They had the yardage to win. They had the explosive plays to win. They even had the loyal crowd behind them. But Clemson had the discipline, the patience, the turnovers that went their way, and the ball for nearly 40 minutes. And it worked.
Another Palmetto Bowl gone. Another offseason of "what next" in Columbia.