Thumbs up, thumbs down: Quick reactions to South Carolina’s loss against Clemson
After going 4-7 and playing itself out of a bowl game through the first 11 games of the 2025 season, South Carolina football had only one thing left to play for in its annual rivalry game against Clemson: bragging rights.
But there would be nothing to brag about for the Gamecocks as Clemson came away with the last laugh.
USC (4-8, 1-7 SEC) fell 28-14 against the Tigers (7-5, 4-4 ACC) Saturday. Here are three key takeaways, good and bad, from the Gamecocks’ season finale:
Thumbs up
Sellers-Harbor connection: On the second drive of the game, junior wide receiver Nyck Harbor found himself wide open 54 yards downfield. All USC quarterback LaNorris Sellers had to do was put the ball on the money. That’s exactly what he did, and the pair linked up for Harbor’s team-best sixth touchdown this season and tied the game 7-7. It’ll be a big offseason for both players as they grapple with entering the NFL Draft, hitting the transfer portal or staying at USC. Neither has announced a decision yet.
Bend, don’t break: The Gamecock defense wasn’t put in the most promising situations against Clemson. USC’s offense turned the ball over twice and allowed Clemson into the red zone four times. Despite the helping hand, the Tigers scored only two touchdowns in the red zone and settled for a field goal on one attempt. Clemson also punted twice and turned the ball over in good field position. There was a solid recovery effort from the Gamecock defense each time it seemed the Tigers were on the verge of another score.
Kilgore in coverage: Jalon Kilgore received first-round NFL Draft grades in preseason mockups. He didn’t have quite the impact some had hoped for him this season, but his performance against Clemson showed his pro potential. Kilgore finished with six tackles, a pass breakup and a leaping interception in the end zone, which showed off his athletic prowess. Kilgore spent the majority of his snaps covering Clemson’s leading receiver, Antonio Williams, and held him to seven catches for 66 yards. Kilgore will also choose between an early NFL Draft entry or a return to USC this offseason.
Thumbs down
Lost season: USC’s season wasn’t going to be saved by a win against its rival, but it certainly might have helped ease the sorrows of fans, players and coaches. Instead, the Gamecocks played a game that perfectly encapsulated the 2025 season. Clemson had a better record, but was beatable at the tail end of a similarly down year. The Gamecocks came out firing on offense and making key plays, and they went to the locker room for halftime down by only three points. Then the lack of finish reared its head again. USC’s defense allowed only three points, but the offense didn’t score again and turned the ball over four times. Clemson cruised through the second half without much of a challenge from the Gamecocks.
No run game: It’s no secret USC lacked a proper rushing offense this season. The Gamecocks entered Saturday’s game with 117.5 rushing yards per game — second worst in the SEC. USC’s 19-carry, 51-yard performance against the Tigers was just another example. Rahsul Faison’s 470 yards is the worst season total for a Gamecocks leading rusher under Shane Beamer. Starting RB will be a big position of need for USC this offseason with no clear heir on the roster.
Chunk plays: While USC’s defense stepped up in short field positions, it couldn’t keep Clemson from running up the yardage on longer plays. The Tigers completed seven passes of 15 or more yards and three rushing plays of 10 or more yards. Clemson gained 197 yards from chunk plays alone.
This story was originally published November 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM.
