South-Carolina
Clemson football’s CFP hopes are over, more overreactions vs South Carolina
CLEMSON — No. 12 Clemson football was upset by No. 14 South Carolina on Saturday, losing 17-14 at Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers (9-3) controlled the game against the Gamecocks (9-3), but South Carolina battled back and took the lead late behind quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ 20-yard rushing touchdown. Clemson was gearing up to kick a field goal to force overtime, but Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik threw an interception after the pass intended for Phil Mafah was deflected to end the game and Clemson’s CFP dreams.
Here are three overreactions from the Tigers’ third loss of the season:
Clemson will miss the College Football Playoff after wild ending
The Tigers didn’t play perfectly Saturday, but they built an early lead with Klubnik’s legs. Their defense generated three turnovers and forced three sacks. However, after scoring their second touchdown to begin the third quarter, their offense stalled, fumbling the ball and punting three times in their next four drives.
Clemson’s mishaps allowed South Carolina to get back into the game, setting up Sellers’ emphatic 20-yard rushing touchdown on third-and-16. Clemson’s shocking loss has significantly diminished its CFP hopes. It has only one route to make the ACC championship, but it needs Syracuse to upset Miami (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) on Saturday.
Cade Klubnik showcases growth in regular-season finale
Despite Klubnik’s last snap, he kept Clemson afloat. He rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns to generate all of Clemson’s points. He has seven rushing touchdowns this season to complement his 29 passing touchdowns.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney wanted Klubnik to use his legs more this season after rushing for only 182 yards with four touchdowns last year. Klubnik’s willingness to be more mobile has helped elevate Clemson’s offense this season, and he displayed it vs. South Carolina.
Clemson football’s linebacker room will thrive next season
The Tigers will lose standout linebacker Barrett Carter after this season, but their depth will keep the unit afloat. Linebackers Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown showed out Saturday Brown had nine tackles and Woodaz six. Both recorded a sack and tackles for loss as they contained South Carolina’s rushing attack.
Woodaz, who returned from a leg injury, will be a senior next season, and Brown will be a sophomore. Their athleticism and high-tackle totals makes both of them contenders for the Butkus Award next season.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00