COLUMBIA, S.C. – Luck has rarely gone the way of Clemson in 2023, but the rabbit’s foot was with the Tigers during the first half against South Carolina.

The Tigers struggled to show any sign of life on offense, gaining 86 yards while their lone touchdown came from the defense. Little did anyone know that Jonathan Weitz would make career-high field goals from 49 and 50 yards. That’s the difference as Clemson goes to halftime up 13-7.

-A call that could’ve gone either way set the tone in Williams-Brice Stadium. Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler threw a swing pass that fell incomplete, but the refs didn’t blow it dead as Clemson defensive back Khalil Barnes casually scooped the ball and took it back 42 yards for a touchdown. The play stood after review, and the Tigers got a seven-point jolt to start the game.

-Barnes wasn’t done, and what looked like a long completion for South Carolina was his third interception on the year. He’s a football magnet, and the range displayed on the play rivaled Nate Wiggins. Have a night, Barnes.

-The Gamecocks didn’t get the chance early to find rhythm, but flat-out worked Clemson on their third drive. South Carolina went 12 plays, 81 yards to knot the game at seven. Misdirection and tempo confused Wes Goodwin’s bunch and missed tackles didn’t help. That was the end of offensive success for Shane Beamer’s team, totaling just five yards beyond the scoring drive.

-An interesting nugget for the future: Tigers tight end Olsen Patt-Henry officially burnt his redshirt in the first quarter against the Gamecocks. Losing Sage Ennis for the year was tough, but its imprints continue to show up with Clemson forced to play Patt-Henry as an extra blocker.

-The Tigers offense had zero rhythm in the first half. Par with the course for their road trips in 2023 apart from the Syracuse game, Clemson can’t get things rolling. Take out the dropped interception plus the scoop-six, and this game would be easily in favor of South Carolina.