COLUMBIA, S.C. — Clemson’s 28-14 victory over South Carolina on Saturday was a team effort. However, the defense played a big role in the outcome at Williams-Brice Stadium.
How did they win the game? They stopped South Carolina’s X-Factor — quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Sellers has been a weapon for the Gamecocks and is the lifeline by which the team finds their success in scoring. A large part of Clemson’s game plan was to shut him down on the ground, and they succeeded in doing so.
Carolina’s quarterback ran 12 times, amassing just two rushing yards. Sellers outing was severely impacted by the Clemson defense. He was sacked five times. Despite his 381 passing yards, he wasn’t able to add his dual-threat abilities.
He ran or scrambled for just 30 yards on seven carries.
“That was a big point of emphasis for us, especially up front this week,” Clemson defensive end Will Heldt said. “I’m happy that we executed and got a good team win.”
Heldt was in on three sacks Saturday, and was credited with 1.5 for the game. He also tallied 2.5 tackles for loss, as he and fellow defensive end T.J. Parker gave the Gamecocks’ offensive line headaches all afternoon.
The Clemson defense took complete control in the fourth quarter, especially after safety Ricardo Jones picked off Sellers and took it back for a 12-yard TD. Later in the quarter, the Tigers forced a fumble out of the hands of receiver Nyck Harbor, giving Clemson possession yet again.
In all, the Tigers forced four turnovers to go along with five sacks. Jones picked off Sellers in the Clemson end zone with 13 seconds to go in the third quarter to styme a potential Carolina scoring drive. Cornerback Avieon Terrell also forced a fumble in the first quarter.
Clemson’s four takeaways were its most against South Carolina since recording four takeaways in a 2008 win against the Gamecocks. It was Clemson’s first four-takeaway game at South Carolina since 2005.
Carolina finished the game with 41 rushing yards and averaged just 2.2 per carry. The Gamecocks were just 1-for-11 on third down and 1-for-3 on fourth down.
The Tigers await to hear their bowl game selection, which will be made on Dec. 7.
