South Carolina heads into the locker room down 17–14 at the half, but the energy inside Williams-Brice feels anything but defeated. Clemson has controlled the tempo, the possession (21:44 to 8:16), and the line of scrimmage. However, the Gamecocks have stayed alive on pure explosiveness and resilience.
When it comes to the passing game, South Carolina is being out-gained overall 289–200. But the Gamecocks have actually thrown for more yards than Clemson, 205 yards on just 9-of-13 completions. That’s 15.8 yards per attempt, the definition of living and dying by the deep ball.
The run game is a different story. South Carolina has -5 rushing yards on six carries. Clemson's front is winning the early downs, collapsing run lanes, and forcing Carolina into predictable passing situations. If the Gamecocks don't find some balance in the second half of the game, they will be asking the passing game to shoulder an impossible load.
Both teams have one turnover, but Clemson has been able to convert its offensive rhythm into points. South Carolina's scores have come in quick, but they have not been able to sustain drives. The Tigers are comfortable in third-and-manageable positions in this matchup.
Clemson is playing cleaner football. Carolina is playing more explosive football. And in rivalry games, especially this one, that combination guarantees a wild, chaotic second half. If the Gamecocks can finally sustain a drive, force a mistake, or hit one more deep shot, this game is absolutely there for the taking. This game is living on a razor's edge.