Timely Runs, Defense Secure Palmetto Bowl for Gamecocks

© Ken Ruinard - Imagn Images

It was a defensive battle in the 121st Palmetto Bowl as the No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) rallied late to defeat the No. 12 Clemson Tigers (9-2, 7-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) 17-14 on Nov. 30 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers scored on a 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. That put the Gamecocks up and gave head coach Shane Beamer a win over Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

The long-standing rivalry game lived up to its hype. Both the Tigers' and Gamecocks' defenses played like the College Football Playoff committee was in attendance. Despite the defensive performances, Sellers' legs led the Gamecocks to victory. Sellers accounted for both South Carolina TDs and kept drives alive when it was needed.

Gridlocked First Half

South Carolina opened the game with a strong running attack. Raheim Sanders got the tough short yards, but Sellers let the Tigers know it would be a long day. He broke off his longest run of the game, a 38 yarder. The Gamecocks’ drive got cut short when Sellers fumbled while being sacked by Clemson’s T.J. Parker, his 10th this season. Parker also recovered the fumble. Defenses took over, challenging the opposing offenses with four-man pressures and aggressive blitzes.

Clemson took its opening drive of the second quarter and got active. Quarterback Cade Klubnik hit Antonio Williams for a 40-yard strike, putting the Tigers on the South Carolina 17-yard line. Two plays later, Klubnik converted on a 13-yard TD run to put the Tigers ahead 7-0. The Gamecocks responded on their next drive behind Sellers and Oscar Adaway III. Adaway started the drive with a flashy 21-yard run; Sellers finished it with a 25-yard TD run. That tied the game at halftime, 7-7.

© Ken Ruinard - Imagn Images

Advantage Gamecocks

Clemson opened the second half with a strong drive. Klubnik led the Tigers on an 11-play drive. He completed passes to four different receivers before scoring on an 18-yard run. It put Clemson up 14-7. Back-to-back fumbles haunted both offenses and Sellers threw a red zone interception to Clemson safety Khalil Barnes. The Gamecocks' defense came up big after the turnover and forced a quick three-and-out. Sellers and the South Carolina offense responded with a field goal, cutting Clemson's lead to 14-10.

Beamer pulled out his best special teams trick and the Gamecocks just missed recovering a surprise onside kick. Despite the failed attempt, South Carolina had all the momentum and got Clemson off the field on another three-and-out. Sellers made video game moves in and out of the pocket. He rattled off a 27-yard run and a 17-yard pass to put the Gamecocks in scoring position. His 20-yard run left defenders in Sellers' wake as he waltzed into the end zone for a 17-14 lead. Klubnik and the Tigers drove down the field and were in prime position to tie the game or take the lead. But South Carolina's defense came up big behind the leadership of senior linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. Knight made a diving interception off a tipped pass to seal the Tigers’ fate and secure the Palmetto Bowl victory.

Players of The Game

QB LaNorris Sellers - South Carolina

Sellers ran all over the Tigers’ defense and made big plays with his arm, too. He was 13-for-21 passing for 164 yards. Sellers also had 16 carries for 166 yards and 2 TDs. The Gamecocks have leaned on the freshman signal caller all season. He has held them upright while keeping defenses confused on how to contain him.

LB Demetrius Knight Jr. - South Carolina

Knight was a one-man wrecking crew for the Gamecocks. He totaled 10 tackles and that game-saving interception. Knight also had two big fourth-down stops. His play sparked an already crazed South Carolina defense.

Looking Ahead

The Gamecocks have rattled off six straight wins and now have defeated three ranked opponents. According to ESPN, they have a 39 percent chance of making the College Football Playoff. Now, they wait to see what teams might topple ahead of them and if that playoff berth percentage can increase.

With the loss, the Tigers’ playoff chances fall to a measly 9 percent. Clemson can still make it into the ACC Championship Game if Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) falls on the road to Syracuse (8-3, 4-3 ACC). They, too, must now wait to see the outcome of teams ahead of them.