USC Stuns Clemson

By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor

SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett reflects on South Carolina's 34-17 win over Clemson. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.

*South Carolina beat up Clemson. The difference in physicality on both sides of the football was quite evident. Eric Norwood and the Gamecocks held Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Spiller and the Tigers to just 2.4 yards per rush. Spiller had just 18 yards rushing, a season low. USC rushed for over 220 yards, one of their best efforts of the year. The front seven hassled Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker all afternoon.

*The South Carolina defense did the best job defending Clemson of any team the Tigers have faced this year. The Gamecocks allowed no big plays, shutting down C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford. The Clemson offense did not score a single point as all of their scores came via special teams. It was a defensive performance for the ages.

*Homefield advantage is a big deal in college football, but it makes a huge difference for South Carolina. The Gamecocks are just a different team at home. At Williams Brice Stadium, USC has now defeated Ole Miss (who was ranked 4th), Clemson and took top-ranked Florida to the brink. On the road, Carolina lost to Georgia close and Tennessee and Arkansas by wide margins.

*You have to wonder where Clemson's head was at. South Carolina was the aggressor, dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage and played with an unmatched enthusiasm. But the Tigers, whose focus all season has been on getting to the ACC Championship Game, didn't seem to have the same intensity they had in previous league games.

*Though it was not how he wanted to end his regular season, C.J. Spiller opened the game with an 88-yard kickoff return touchdown. That was the 7th kickoff return for touchdown of his career, a new FBS record. Congratulations to C.J.

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Comments

Is Clemson going to be unranked when they play for the conference championship ?

Posted by harry carey on 11/29 at 12:26 AM

Steve Spurrier finally understood how important the Carolina/Clemson rivalry is, and got himself as well as his coaches and players appropriately prepared for this rivalry.
Winning this game also makes a big difference in recuiting players who are choosing between USC and Clemson.

Posted by TommyD on 12/07 at 04:26 PM

Make Yourself Heard