Nov. 29, 2008
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CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — James Davis ran for three touchdowns to lift Clemson to a 31-14 victory over South Carolina.
It was two years ago after South Carolina’s 31-28 victory here Spurrier said it was the kind of win he could build on. Instead, he fell to 1-3 against his state rivals.
Clemson fans celebrated and chanted “Da-Bo!” and “Da-Bo Swin-ney!” as the clock wound down on the 10th victory over their rivals in the past 12 seasons.
It didn’t start that way as South Carolina’s defense got going fast, Chris Culliver jarring the ball free from Spiller less than three minutes in.
Chris Clemons intercepted Smelley early in the second quarter and Cullen Harper made the Gamecocks pay with his long touchdown pass to Ford.
Harper, on his knees, pumped his fists and Swinney leaped into the arms of former Gamecocks coach and current Clemson offensive line coach Brad Scott for a bear hug.
It wasn’t long before Smelley’s next mistake and Clemson’s next touchdown.
Safety Michael Hamlin stepped in front of Smelley’s throw on the following drive as Spurrier stood with arms folded.
It took only three plays for the Tigers to capitalize, Davis rushing around the left side for a 20-yard TD.
South Carolina closed things to 24-14 on touchdown receptions of 16 yards to Patrick DiMarco and 23-yards to Weslye Saunders.
Davis regained momentum for Clemson two series later with his 2-yard touchdown run.
