Dabo Swinney and the Tigers lost their second and final game of the regular season as Shane Beamer, and South Carolina upset Clemson 31-30 in Death Valley.
The Gamecocks showed up to play on rivalry week as they dealt the Tigers their first home loss since 2016. Clemson’s home win streak snapped at 40 games, as well as their seven straight wins against South Carolina.
It was a complete letdown performance from the Tigers, who, time after time, made the game more difficult than it needed to be for themselves. From questionable play calling to bad turnovers, it seemed as if Clemson was playing themselves and South Carolina this Saturday.
Starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had his worst game of the season, completing just 8-29 passes for 99 yards, a touchdown, and an interception with 51 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Clemson was completely one-dimensional, as the Tigers couldn’t get a thing going through the air.
Starting running back Will Shipley was fantastic once again, taking 15 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. Phil Mafah was solid as well, with seven carries for 42 yards. With the success the Tigers were having running the ball, it’s shocking to see how many times offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter opted to let Uiagalelei drop back.
On defense, the Tigers had their moments, but the secondary got burned downfield by Spencer Rattler and the Gamecocks’ passing attack. While they were able to take advantage of a few Rattler mistakes, the junior quarterback did a great job picking apart this Clemson defense.
The Tigers had an opportunity to lead a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, but that opportunity ended with an Antonio Williams fumble on a punt return.
Clemson got beat by themselves and South Carolina this Saturday.
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