Devonte Holloman's interception big play in USC victory
USC relied on a powerful running game Saturday in upsetting 18th ranked Clemson 34-17 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. It’s the most points for the Gamecocks against Clemson since 1996, and the most they’ve scored against the Tigers at home since 1975. And the 17 point margin of victory is the most for USC since 1994.
Spurrier runs the ball
The Gamecocks rushed for 223 yards on 58 attempts repeatedly gouging the middle of the Clemson defense. The Gamecocks finished with 388 total yards to 260 for the Tigers who were held to just 48 yards on the ground. The Gamecocks’ victory was just their second in their last eleven games at home against the Tigers, their first since 2001. Steve Spurrier improved his record against the Tigers to 2-3 as USC’s head coach.
AUDIO: Steve Spurrier
Swinney falls to USC
AUDIO: Dabo Swinney
The Gamecocks’ 223 rushing yards ties for the second most in the Spurrier era. Kenny Miles led the attack with 114 yards on 17 carries, his third 100 yard effort of the season and the fourth for the Gamecocks. And the Gamecocks finally put cornerback Stephen Gilmore in at quarterback in the “Wild Cock” formation in the first quarter. And he led the offense down the field for a touchdown. He rushed five times for 20 yards and threw a 39 yard pass to Alshon Jeffery. Stephen Garcia rushed for 46 yards, but he also threw three touchdown passes, two to tight end Weslye Saunders. Garcia was 10-21 on the day for 126 yards and he had one interception.
Gilmore big on O & D
AUDIO: Stephen Garcia
AUDIO: Moe Brown
AUDIO: Weslye Saunders
Saunders has 2 TD day
AUDIO: Kenny Miles
AUDIO: Stephon Gilmore
AUDIO: Brandon Maye
Johnson's plan worked
The USC defense kept Clemson’s offense out of the end zone until there was only 3:46 to play. The Gamecocks held CJ Spiller to just 18 rushing yards on nine carries, and just 19 yards receiving on three catches. Kyle Parker was 22-42 for 212 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Tight end Micheal Palmer was his favorite target with eight catches for 106 yards and a touchdown.
AUDIO: Ellis Johnson
Norwood picks up fumble
AUDIO: Eric Norwood
AUDIO: Devonte Holloman
AUDIO: CJ Spiller
Parker can't solve USC D
AUDIO: Kyle Parker
AUDIO: Billy Napier
USC breaks a three game losing streak with the win and is now 7-5 and hopeful of landing a Chic-Fil-A Bowl bid. Clemson saw its six game winning streak end and is 8-4 going into next Saturday’s ACC Championship Game against Georgia Tech in Tampa. The Tigers now lead in the all time series 68-34-4.
