Clemson Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks Match Player Stats On Nov 28, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Nov 28, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Quarterback Deshaun Watson rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns and threw for 279 yards and another score as Clemson held off rival South Carolina 37-32 Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

No. 1-ranked Clemson extended the nation's longest winning streak to 15 games with its first victory at South Carolina since 2007.

The Tigers, who are 12-0 for the first time since winning their first and only national title in 1981, will face North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game next Saturday in Charlotte, N.C.

South Carolina finished 3-9, ending its season with five consecutive losses under interim head coach Shawn Elliott, who took over when Steve Spurrier resigned on Oct. 13.

It was the Gamecocks' first losing season since 2003.

Clemson took what appeared to be a commanding 21-3 lead when Watson dashed 30 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, but South Carolina scored on a 7-yard pass from quarterback Perry Orth to wide receiver Deebo Samuel to make it 21-10.

Then, after running back C.J. Fuller scored from 4 yards out to push the Tigers' lead to 28-10, the Gamecocks scored 14 unanswered points to keep things interesting.

Orth connected with wide receiver Pharoh Cooper for a 57-yard touchdown. Then, after Clemson wide receiver Artavis Scott fumbled the ball following a catch deep in Tigers' territory, the Gamecocks drove 26 yards in four pays, with running back Shon Carson scoring from 1 yard out. Backup quarterback Lorenzo Nunez added a two-point conversion run to pull South Carolina within 28-25.

But Watson -- the preseason ACC Player of the Year -- saved the day for Clemson, guiding the Tigers 60 yards in 10 plays for the decisive score. Watson completed a pair of third-down passes on the drive, which culminated with the sophomore diving in from 3 yards out for a 34-25 lead with 7:58 remaining.

Following a 36-yard field goal from Clemson's Greg Huegel, South Carolina added a final touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Orth to Carson with one second left.

NOTES: Clemson has more victories against South Carolina (67) than any other school. ... Clemson DE Shaq Lawson had 1.5 tackles for loss Saturday, giving him an ACC-leading 20.5 this season. ... South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper moved into sixth place on South Carolina's all-time list with his 18th career touchdown reception. ... South Carolina junior LB Skai Moore led all players with 12 tackles Saturday; he also forced two fumbles.