OFFENSE — B
Clemson didn’t deliver fireworks, but it delivered winning football. The offense controlled the clock for nearly 30 minutes and ran 62 plays to keep the Gamecocks on their heels. Cade Klubnik threw for 252 yards on 23 completions, connecting with eight receivers. Still, the Tigers finished with just 20 points, stalled several promising drives, and settled for field goals instead of touchdowns. Efficient, but not explosive.
QUARTERBACKS — B-
Klubnik posted solid yardage (252), protected the ball for most of the night, and extended drives on third down. But the lack of a passing touchdown, several misfires in the red zone, and a first-quarter interception held this grade down. He managed the game well — he just didn’t take it over.
RUNNING BACKS — A-
Adam Randall was the definition of reliable: 17 carries, 76 yards, and a touchdown, consistently gaining positive yardage and setting up manageable downs. Gideon Davidson chipped in with timely bursts and Cade Klubnik added a short rushing score. Clemson didn’t break explosive runs, but it dictated physicality and stayed ahead of schedule.
WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS — B+
Antonio Williams (7–69) and T.J. Moore (6–101) carried the passing game, both moving the chains and repeatedly beating single coverage. Christian Bentancur added five catches underneath to keep drives alive. The group was productive but left a few explosives on the table — and Clemson’s inability to create a red-zone passing threat capped their overall impact.
OFFENSIVE LINE — B+
Strong night. Clemson’s line allowed just one sack, opened clean rushing lanes, and controlled the front enough to dominate time of possession. The protection held up on key third-down throws, though short-yardage push was inconsistent. Overall, this unit set the identity for the offense.
DEFENSIVE LINE — A
Flat-out dominant. Clemson racked up five sacks and lived in the backfield all game. The front neutralized the quarterback run game, allowed virtually nothing between the tackles, and forced hurried throws. This was one of Clemson’s most overpowering trench performances of the year.
LINEBACKERS — A-
Smart, physical, and disruptive. Clemson’s linebackers cleaned up the run, kept perimeter explosiveness in check, and helped force two interceptions. They weren’t asked to do much in coverage because of the pass rush — but they made every tackle that mattered.
SECONDARY — B+
Outside of two deep shots early, this unit completely smothered the passing game. Clemson produced 11 pass breakups and closed the door with a game-sealing pick-six. Angles and communication slipped on the two explosive touchdowns, but the response afterward was elite.
SPECIAL TEAMS — B
Solid across the board. Punter Jack Smith flipped field position multiple times, Antonio Williams added positive yards on punt returns, and the kicking operation was clean. Nothing spectacular, nothing damaging — exactly what a rivalry game demands.
COACHING — A-
Clemson stuck to a physical identity, leaned on its depth, and let the defense dictate the game. Game management was sharp, the offensive script protected Klubnik where needed, and halftime adjustments on defense were championship-level.
OVERALL — B+
Clemson didn’t overwhelm on the scoreboard — but it dominated physically, controlled the clock, relied on its stars, and slammed the door with a ruthless defensive second half.
A rivalry win built on toughness, depth, and big-moment poise.