STOCK UP
T.J. Moore — WR
Moore delivered one of the most complete games of his Clemson career.
6 catches, 101 yards, including multiple chain-moving grabs in traffic. When the offense needed a spark through the air, Moore was the one who consistently found space. His route discipline and yards-after-catch production were major momentum drivers.
Adam Randall — RB
A true breakout performance. Randall’s 17 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown set the tone physically. He ran patient, strong, and confidently — exactly the identity Clemson wants in big games. He became the offense’s stabilizer when drives stalled or rhythm faded.
Clemson Defensive Front
Five sacks. Constant disruption. Dominance in the trenches.
The defensive line spent the night dictating South Carolina’s play calls and collapsing the pocket before it ever formed. Clemson doesn’t win this game without its front taking complete control, especially in the second half when the Gamecocks were suffocated.
Antonio Williams — WR/PR
Williams’ stat line — 7 catches for 69 yards — only tells part of the story. He was the go-to option on critical downs, won consistently underneath, and created field position in the return game. His reliability was the backbone of Clemson’s passing attack.
Ricardo Jones — DB
A game-sealing pick-six is the ultimate stock-up moment. But beyond the highlight, Jones showed maturity in zone coverage, better communication, and instinctive breaks on the ball. His growth is showing — loudly.
Clemson’s Third-Down Offense
The Tigers converted 6-of-13 — a massive improvement during a stretch where consistency had been a problem. Sustaining drives allowed Clemson to run 62 plays and control the rhythm of the game. Efficiency here directly fueled the win.
STOCK DOWN
Red-Zone Finishing
Clemson moved the ball efficiently but produced only two offensive touchdowns. Long drives repeatedly bogged down inside the 25. It didn’t cost them this time, but it remains the biggest barrier between this offense and a more explosive ceiling.
Explosive Passing Game
The Tigers threw for 252 yards yet never found a downfield knockout punch. Klubnik distributed the ball well, but big-chunk plays were rare and Clemson never hit a passing touchdown. The offense needs more vertical bite.
Short-Yardage Push
Despite winning the trenches overall, Clemson again had inconsistent push on short-yardage downs. Several drives stalled because the Tigers couldn’t convert in 3rd-and-2 or 4th-and-short situations. This is an area that must tighten when margins shrink.
Rotation Health & Depth
Late-season attrition showed up again. Clemson managed it well, but thin rotations at certain spots remain a concern heading into postseason preparation. The Tigers need bodies back — and need younger players to continue to grow quickly.
FINAL THOUGHT
Clemson didn’t win with flash — it won with identity. The Tigers leaned on defense, ground control, trusted playmakers, and a physical approach that wore down the rivalry.