Thumbs up, thumbs down: South Carolina vs. Clemson
A look at what went right and wrong for South Carolina football in the 38-3 loss to Clemson on Saturday
Thumbs Up
Gamecocks goal-line stand
On Clemson’s first possession, the Tigers drove down deep into Gamecocks territory and had first-and-goal at the 3-yard line. But the USC defense stopped Clemson running back Travis Etienne four straight plays to force a turnover on downs.
Edwards’ tribute video
During the first quarter, a tribute was shown in honor of South Carolina receiver Bryan Edwards, who missed Saturday’s game with a knee injury. The video featured past Gamecocks greats including Alshon Jeffery, Sidney Rice, Pharoah Cooper, Deebo Samuel and Sterling Sharpe with messages celebrating Edwards’ stellar Gamecocks career. Edwards leaves South Carolina as the school’s all-time leader in career receptions and yards.
TJ Brunson
The former Richland Northeast standout and one of Will Muschamp’s first recruits wrapped up his stellar career Saturday. Brunson was a mainstay among the Gamecocks’ defensive effort vs. Clemson and finished with six tackles, five solo, two pass break-ups and a tackle for loss.
USC specialists
Punter Joseph Charlton and kicker Parker White turned in solid efforts. Charlton a former AC Flora standout, has been one of the top punters in the Southeastern Conference this season. He averaged 44.6 yards a punt against Clemson including with two punts of 50 yards or more. White converted on his only attempt of the game, a 49-yarder in the second quarter. He finished the year with 18 field goals, tied for fifth most for USC kicker in a single season.
Thumbs down
Opening drive
After the Gamecocks defense stopped Clemson on its first drive, USC couldn’t capitalize. Ryan Hilinski hit Shi Smith on a 21-yard pass on the drive’s first play. But three plays later, Derion Kendrick picked off Hilinski and set up Clemson’s first touchdown of the game.
USC secondary
South Carolina’s cornerbacks and safeties looked overmatched at times as Clemson receivers roamed free in the secondary. Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 26-of-36 for 295 yards and completed 18 straight passes at one point.
Lot of orange in stands
Clemson fans packed into Williams-Brice on Saturday and had the run of the place near the end with many of the Gamecock fans headed to the exits early.
Gamecocks offense
South Carolina managed just three points Saturday and didn’t score a touchdown in its final 12 quarters of the season.
This story was originally published November 30, 2019 at 3:17 PM.
