Football . November 26, 2016

Gamecocks Fall in Rivalry Game at No. 4/3 Clemson, 56-7

Game #1

Nov. 26, 2016

CLEMSON, S.C. – Behind the strong passing of Deshaun Watson, No. 4/3 Clemson (11-1) claimed a 56-7 victory over South Carolina (6-6) on Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson held a 21-0 lead after the first quarter, all coming from the arm of Deshaun Watson. He hit Mike Williams for the first two scores, Williams brining down 19- and 34-yard receptions. Jordan Leggett made it 21-0 with an 11-yard scoring catch.

South Carolina’s defense had highlights in the first half, starting with Ulric Jones’ block of a possible Clemson field goal on the Tigers’ first drive of the game. The Gamecocks also stopped another Clemson drive with an interception, with junior linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams catching the twice-tipped ball on the Gamecock 11-yard line.

The Tigers improved their lead late in the second quarter, first on Wayne Gallman’s nine-yard run ahead of Williams’ third touchdown reception, this one for 16 yards, with eight seconds remaining in the half to make it 35-0.

Clemson’s first drive of the second half produced its sixth touchdown. The sixth play ended it, with C.J. Fuller pulling down the 18-yard toss by Watson, pushing the lead to 42-0.

South Carolina turned to freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain to start the third quarter, and he helped lead the Gamecocks to their first points of the night. Sophomore Deebo Samuel, however, tossed the score, hitting freshman Bryan Edwards with a 33-yard pass to put the Garnet and Black on the board.

Watson’s sixth touchdown pass came with 4:38 left in the third quarter, as he found Artavis Scott for a three-yard score. Kelly Bryant ran one in from a yard out late in the fourth quarter to provide the final margin.

GAME CHANGER

The 21-point first quarter put too much distance between the teams.

KEY STAT

Clemson had 622 yards of offense on the day, the most allowed by the Gamecocks this year.

NOTABLES

The Gamecocks were led by D.J. Smith’s 12 tackles on the night, while Allen-Williams had 11 with the pick.

Rod Talley led the Gamecock rushers with 50 yards in six carries.

Quoting Head Coach Will Muschamp

“Not a lot to say. We got beat tonight by a better team. I don’t know what else to say. They have a good team across all three phases. We got whipped. On the road recruiting, that’s the way we need to change our program.”

UP NEXT

The Gamecocks learn their postseason destination on Sun., Dec. 4.