From the Student Section: South Carolina at Clemson

With the 56-7 defeat at Clemson, the South Carolina Gamecocks regular season has come to an end. The Gamecocks now wait to find out where they will go and who they will play for the bowl game.

The Game

After blocking a field goal on Clemson’s first drive, it felt like the Gamecocks may be able to get something rolling. That thought faded quickly as Jake Bentley threw an interception shortly after. Clemson capitalized and the Gamecock offense never answered. The defense also never stopped the Tigers either, going into the half down 35-0. There was a QB change at the half as Brandon McIlwain came in for Jake Bentley. The Gamecocks’ lone points came on a trick play when Deebo Samuel found his fellow WR Bryan Edwards for a touchdown pass. Perry Orth finished the game at QB for the Gamecocks.

The Season

In head coach Will Muschamp’s first season in Columbia, the Gamecocks finish the regular season at 6-6. That is something that seemed close to impossible in mid-October. After going 2-4 in the first six games, the Gamecocks went 4-2 in the last six. It was an up and down year, as any 6-6 season would be. The high point of the year was knocking off Tennessee while the low point is pretty obvious.

The Verdict

A bowl game is an accomplishment with the young roster the Gamecocks have. With plenty of players returning, especially the offense, the extra practices the Gamecocks receive with the bowl trip are big. The destination and the opponent are yet to be determined but hopefully after this game, the players will be ready to go and finish the year with a win.