Gamecocks Live

That’s a wrap

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:07:27 +0000

It’s a wrap — for the blog at least. The game is still going on (under 5 to play). But a bunch of Clemson fans are heading to the exit, and it’s time for me to head down for the postgame interviews.

Again, what a difference a year makes. This effort by USC today (and their effort down the stretch this year) was hardly similar to the debacle of last season. This is a different team on its way to a better season’s end than last year. The defense brought the energy today and the offense was very capable.

The Gamecocks lead 27-10 and are in a position to take this year’s Palmetto Bowl and keep itself in content for a Chick-fil-A bowl bid. No matter the destination it’s safe to say fans will be much more willing to make the trip with the team this year.

Keep an eye on GoGamecocks.com tonight as we will update things all night.

Thanks, and take care.

– Dwayne McLemore

USC drains some clock, scores

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:02:08 +0000

The Gamecocks just took a 27-10 lead with 5:27 to go in the game with a 38-yard field goal by Spencer Lanning.

USC took 6:01 off the clock on the drive with some big runs by Kenny Miles and Brian Maddox.

– Dwayne McLemore

Clemson back on the board

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:48:59 +0000

Clemson just had one of its best drives of the game, aided by a helmet-to-helmet penalty on Cliff Matthews on a big hit on Clemson QB Kyle Parker. No one in the press box seemed to dispute the call.

Parker also hit TE Michael Palmer for a big gain, but USC held the Tigers to a field goal, a 45-yarder by Richard Jackson.

Will be interesting to see if USC tries to (and can) milk some clock leading 24-10 with 11-plus minutes in the game.

– Dwayne McLemore

The stats so far

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:41:05 +0000

After three quarters, Stephen Garcia is 9-for-20 for 125 yards and two touchdowns … one to Tori Gurley and the other to Weslye Saunders.

Clemson’s Kyle Parker is 11-for-22 with no TDs. He and Garcia each have one interception.

Kenny Miles leads USC in rushing with 80 yards on 13 carries. C.J. Spiller has 22 yards on nine carries for Clemson.

Clemson’s lone score still from the game’s opening kickoff.

– Dwayne McLemore

Three quarters in the books

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:33:11 +0000

With one quarter left, the Gamecocks lead it 24-7 and have the ball at midfield.

Another great quarter for USC and the defense.

To end the quarter, Stephen Garcia hit Tori Gurley again for a big gain, this time 36 yards to the 50.

Fifteen minutes until it’s official.

If you’re looking for more instantaneous updates, visit our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/gogamecocks

– Dwayne McLemore

What a difference a year makes

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:21:38 +0000

My video colleague Andrew Haworth just commented how different the game is this year vs. last. He said it all.

Last year he and I were freezing and wet on the sidelines of Clemson’s Memorial Stadium… miserable to say the least. Don’t have to remind you how USC played that day.

It’s a complete 180 this year. The weather is much improved, as is USC’s play. What a recovery for the Gamecocks after that opening kickoff.

Still plenty of time to play … seven minutes to go in the third quarter. Still time to try and come up with something as witty as Seth.

– Dwayne McLemore

Gamecocks open their lead

dmclemore — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:16:48 +0000

The Gamecocks are now up 24-7 after a 55-yard drive capped by a Stephen Garcia to Tori Gurley TD.

Is Clemson down for the count? Maybe. One thing is for certain — Seth Emerson’s laptop is not cooperating today, but we’ll still bring you the pertinent details as long as we can.

- Dwayne McLemore

How ’bout another break

semerson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:00:38 +0000

This time it comes in the form of a C.J. Spiller fumble. The Clemson tailback gets decked at the end of a catch-and-run, and USC recovers at the Clemson 35.

Nice field position for the Gamecocks’ first drive of the second half.

Stephon Gilmore recovered the fumble, meaning the freshman has now touched the ball on offense, defense and special teams (returning punts.)

Halftime stats

semerson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:43:13 +0000

Want to know why South Carolina is winning? The three key stats:

1. USC 210 offensive yards, Clemson 101.

2. USC 1 turnover, Clemson 2.

3. USC 131 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry. Clemson 34 rushing yards, 2.3 yards per carry.

Basically, all Clemson has is the opening kickoff return by C.J. Spiller. After that, zilch. The Gamecocks have shut down the Tiger offense, and Spiller only has 20 rushing yards on seven carries, and one catch for zero yards.

That’s no way to make a finishing Heisman campaign. (Probably doesn’t matter, Colt McCoy may have sealed his bid the other night.)

The running game for South Carolina has been a revelation. The two who have lined up at quarterback – Stephen Garcia and Stephon Gilmore – have combined for 71 yards on 13 carries. Kenny Miles, once forgotten but now back, has 39 yards on six carries, and starter Brian Maddox has been solid with 29 yards on seven carries, plus a 15-yard catch.

Gamecocks up at the break

semerson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:34:42 +0000

We have arrived at halftime, and USC leads 17-7.The crowd cheers the Gamecocks as they go into the locker room.

It could have been more, as the Gamecocks drove into Clemson territory in the final minute. But the first sack of the game came at a bad time; DeAndre McDaniel came on a cornerback blitz and decked Stephen Garcia.

During an ensuing timeout, Steve Spurrier lit into Garcia about the play. Hey, it’s always the quarterback’s fault, apparently.

It also could have been a bigger lead for USC if Antonio Allen had not blown that shanked punt, allowing Clemson to extend the drive. The Tigers didn’t go on to score, but USC would have had the ball at the Clemson 27, already in field goal position.

All in all, however, the Gamecocks have to be happy to be ahead a couple scores. And they get the ball to start the second half.