Here is how top-ranked Clemson graded out in Saturday’s 37-32 win over South Carolina in Columbia. The Tigers finished the game with 515 total yards, the eighth straight game that has happened. With the win, Clemson improved to 12-0 for just the second time in school history. The Tigers have now won 15 straight games which ties a school record set between 1947-’49. They also own the nation’s longest winning streak.
Quarterback: A
Deshaun Watson was again magnificent as he totaled 393 yards of offense, while being responsible for four touchdowns. He rushed for a career-high 114 yards on 21 carries, while scoring three touchdowns. It marked the third time in the last four games he rushed for 100 or more yards in a game. He also completed 20 of 27 passes for 279 yards, which included a 55-yard touchdown pass to Deon Cain. With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, he made big third-down throws to Jordan Leggett and Trevion Thompson to keep the drive alive, which eventually led to his own three-yard scoring run to seal the win.
Running back: B
Wayne Gallman rushed for 102 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry, but he fumbled the ball once and was involved in another during an exchange with Watson. C.J. Fuller took advantage of a little more playing time and showed some promise, running the ball four times for 24 yards, including his first career touchdown.
Wide Receivers: B
Deon Cain led the Tigers with five catches for 96 yards, including his 55-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Cain has scored at least one touchdown in five straight games. Germone Hopper had another good week with four catches for 33 yards, while tight end Jordan Leggett had four catches for 73 yards and Artavis Scott had three for 29. They also did a good job in blocking down field. Both Hopper and Hunter Renfrow had two key blocks on the edge that sprung Watson on his 30-yard touchdown run. The only blemish for the receivers and tight ends was Scott’s fourth quarter fumble that got the Gamecocks back in the game.
Offensive line: A
Clemson ran for 237 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Also, for a second straight week, Watson was not touched.
Defensive line: B
The Gamecocks averaged 4.8 yards per carry and rushed for 181 yards overall. Shaq Lawson had one sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss to go with his four tackles. He was also credited with a quarterback pressure. Kevin Dodd had five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Carlos Watkins had four tackles, half and a half of a sack. Christian Wilkins had three tackles. Wilkins also had a missed tackle on Lorenzo Nunez, allowing the USC quarterback to run for 47 yards.
Linebackers: C
B.J. Goodson continues to have a great season. He had 12 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Ben Boulware had a missed tackle which spring Shon Carson for a 25-yard run. He had just four tackles in the game, but he did break up two passes and had one quarterback pressure.
Secondary: C
T.J. Green recorded 11 tackles, including nine solo tackles, and caused two fumbles. Jayron Kearse had five tackles as did Cordrea Tankersley. Adrian Baker recorded the Tigers’ lone interception in the game to end a South Carolina drive in the first quarter. The secondary allowed the Gamecocks to complete 14 of 30 passes for 221 yards. Of the 221 yards, 105 came off two slants to Pharoh Cooper (57-yard TD) and to Deebo Samuel (48 yards).
Special teams: B
Greg Huegel mad his 16th straight kick from 36 yards out, but he missed an extra point for the fourth time this season. Andy Teasdall averaged just 33 yards a punt, but he did knock one punt inside the 20-yard line. There were no issues on punt or kick returns as the Tigers coverage teams had one of their best games.
Coaching: B
The offense continues to turn the ball over. They have now turned the ball over 10 times in the last four games. The defense gave up plays of 25, 47, 48 and 57 yards against the Gamecocks, and still seem to be unable to prevent the big chunk plays.