This year’s Clemson-South Carolina game will push the rivalry into sole possession of second place all-time with its 107 consecutive meeting.
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Watson promptly led the Tigers on a 10-play, 60-yard touchdown drive capped by his own three-yard scoring run, a fitting response in a game defined by the sophomore Heisman Trophy candidate’s spectacular performance. Entering Saturday, the Tigers were No. 5 nationally in total defense, allowing 278.2 yards per game, and No. 11 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 17.6 points per game. The Tigers finish the regular-season 12-0 and tie the school record for most wins in a season.
3 Of South Carolina’s 16 fumbles have been lost by the Gamecocks this season.
As long as Watson’s around, the Tigers’ title chances are pretty good. Watson delivering a flawless 55-yard strike to wide receiver Deon Cain to give Clemson a 14-0 lead over SC. In that game Watson had three touchdown passes, two interceptions. The South Carolina Gamecocks are 3-5 and 4-4 against the spread. All were wins – and all exposed potential problems Clemson better shore up before this weekend. The high note for South Carolina’s offense is Pharoh Cooper, who has once again been the force behind the passing game with 62 catches and seven scores to his name. The 30-yard carry would put the Tigers up 21-3 with 13:32 to go in the period.
SC established the lead during a 9-0 run in the first half that was sparked by a technical on Lipscomb guard Josh Williams for yelling at Michael Carrera after a blocked shot. “We’ve got bigger things to do, we’ve got an ACC championship and we’ve got to play better, got a great North Carolina team waiting on us”. However, the Gamecocks are having a dismal season, and it’s more wishful thinking that a possibility.
“I’m not even thinking about that”, Elliott said when asked his thoughts on retaining the position.
Henry tied Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson for the most 200-yard games in a season in SEC history after his fourth in his last five conference games.
One of the bigger reasons Clemson won the game is it went 9-for-13 on third downs, including a streak of eight straight in the second half. That includes a 31-20-2 mark in games played in Williams-Brice Stadium. Romond Deloatch caught a touchdown for the Owls, who will play at No. 21 Houston for the AAC title on Saturday with a New Year’s Six bowl bid possibly at stake.
USC’s band director, Cormac Cannon, said he’s excited for USC to combine with the Tiger Band, despite the rivalry.
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There was one other looming question surrounding this game that was raised by Ray Bently, the ESPN analyst for the broadcast. With that in mind, the Gamecocks hope to look back on this year and try to learn from next season.
