Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008

USC-Clemson Quarter by Quarter

First quarter

Clemson 10 | USC 0

KEY MOMENT: Facing a second-and-8 from their 29, the Tigers call a reverse to Jacoby Ford who runs 21 yards up the sideline. The play sparks an 85-yard scoring drive that James Davis caps with a 1-yard run with 4:47 to play.

THE MAN: C.J. Spiller takes off left tackle and scampers 39 yards to the 1, setting up Davis’ plunge. Spiller finishes the quarter with 47 yards on four runs and 35 yards on three catches.

TIME OF POSSESSION: Clemson 9:29, USC 5:31

Second quarter

Clemson 24 | USC 7

KEY MOMENT: Ahead 24-0, Clemson goes for the big play. USC’s Jasper Brinkley forces a fumble, and the Gamecocks recover at the 33. Four plays later, quarterback Chris Smelley throws a 16-yard pass to Patrick DiMarco to put USC on the board.

THE MAN: With Emanuel Cook around his ankles, Harper hits Ford, who takes the ball the remaining 30 yards for a 50-yard score and a 24-0 lead. Harper finishes the half 8-of-12 for 152 yards.

TIME OF POSSESSION: USC 10:20, Clemson 4:40

Third quarter

Clemson 31 | USC 14

KEY MOMENT: Jimmy Maners’ 46-yard punt to the USC 14 sets up a three-and-out by the Gamecocks, handing field position and momentum to the Tigers. Clemson scores on the ensuing drive to build a 31-14 with 3:38 remaining.

THE MAN: Clemson’s offensive line was maligned for most of the season, but the Tigers opened holes for Davis as the Tigers ended the quarter with 156 rushing yards and finished the day with 184.

TIME OF POSSESSION: USC 7:49, Clemson 7:11

Final score

Clemson 31 | USC 14

KEY MOMENT: Facing a third-and-6 at his 44, Harper completes a bubble screen to wide receiver Tyler Grisham that goes for 15 yards to the USC 41. The play extends a drive that consumes 7:02.

THE MAN: Harper completes a another third-down pass to Kelly to keep the same drive alive. The quarterback, playing his final game in Death Valley, finishes 12-of-17 for 199 yards and a touchdown. He surpassed the 500-completion mark in his career.

TIME OF POSSESSION: Clemson 11:27, USC 3:33

— Will Vandervort

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