Mission accomplished: Clemson Football avenges last season’s loss to Gamecocks

Clemson Football didn’t play the same kind of offense they did against Georgia Tech and North Carolina, but it was good enough for the Tigers to avenge last season’s loss in Death Valley by the score of 16-7.

Clemson won the toss and deferred. On the second play from scrimmage, Spencer Rattler threw a backwards pass that was incomplete. Khalil Barnes picked up the ball and returned it for a touchdown. Clemson led 35 seconds into the game, 7-0.

On the next series, Rattler went deep and Barnes intercepted it to give the Tiger offense the ball.

So three defensive snaps into the game, Barnes had a recovered fumble, a touchdown and an interception.

Clemson went three and out on their first series and punted the ball. When SC took over, they were able to drive into the red zone. They went for it on 4th and goal from the 1 yard line and they scored and tied the game 7-7.

Clemson put together a handful of first downs, including two on runs by Cade Klubnik. Jonathan Weitz hit a 50-yard field goal to give Clemson a 10-7 lead.

The Tigers forced the Gamecocks into a punt and took over deep in their own territory. The Tigers drove the ball just far enough to pin SC deep in their territory.

Clemson once again forced a punt, but this time they took over on their own 45 yard line. A false start made Clemson try a 49 yard field goal, and Weitz nailed it. Clemson led 13-7.

The second half was a defensive affair and Clemson Football held the Gamecocks scoreless

Both teams exchanged punts for the rest of the half. The Tigers took the ball first in the second half and moved down the field quickly with a 39-yard pass to Tyler Brown. Weitz hit another field goal to put Clemson ahead 16-7.

SC punted following a couple false start penalties. The Tigers quickly moved into Gamecock territory. Unfortunately, Klubnik threw an interception in the end zone and SC took over on the 20 yard line following the touchback.

Both teams exchanged punts for a multiple series. Late in the fourth quarter, South Carolina went for it on fourth down and turned it over to the Tigers in Gamecock territory.

The Tigers ran out the clock and celebrated the 16-7 win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was satisfying. Weitz was an ace when the Tigers needed him, and Barnes set the tone early for the defense.