Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: USC vs. Clemson

THUMBS UP

There’s the kid USC recruited. Either for injury or for not wanting to play, Nunez’s talents have been hidden the second half of the season. He showed up against Clemson and rushed for 75 yards.

If it was Moore’s last game, what a legacy. He broke 100 tackles for the season and again led the team (13), while forcing two fumbles. He was the Gamecocks’ leading tackler for each of his three seasons.

Pharoh Cooper got a farewell touchdown, while Samuel prepared to take his place. He bloomed with five catches for 104 yards and his first collegiate TD.

He didn’t win, but who could? Elliott did the best he could with what he was handed, and while he is not an alumnus, he is a South Carolina Gamecock. The example of how much loyalty and love he showed in a lost cause is something all should strive to be.

THUMBS DOWN

USC was forcing Clemson into third-and-long and then backing away, not pressuring Deshaun Watson or covering his receivers. Not a good recipe for success.

He was shaky in the first half, and didn’t throw downfield in the second when the Gamecocks still had a tiny chance to win. He’s done the best he can with what he has … but he could have been a lot better.

Williams-Brice Stadium was half-orange. Not sure what kind of USC fan would ever sell his ticket to an archrival. Not like they were hiding their colors.

From declarations of preseason “enemies” to a rotten defense to a flood forcing a game to be moved to having no quarterback, this season deserved the tag it will be saddled with – the worst since 1999.