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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Rivalry week brought another challenge for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers, as they visited the South Carolina Gamecocks' stadium and came away with a 28-15 win. Despite entering the game as slight underdogs, it was another big victory for Clemson after a disappointing start to the season.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 268 yards on 24-of-39 completions and also ran in a touchdown for Clemson. Adam Randall came up big once again with 102 yards on the ground along with a touchdown, while receiver T.J. Moore had 101 yards on six receptions.
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It seemed close at halftime, with Clemson leading 17-14. However, the Tigers pulled away in the second half, capitalizing on costly South Carolina turnovers. Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to Ricardo Jones.
Along with throwing two interceptions to Jones, Sellers fumbled the ball twice, with Clemson coming away with the ball in a stellar defensive performance.
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Coach Swinney said he was happy for the fans and the team after today's win, which he called "a lot of fun." He praised his players' great preparation ahead of the rivalry game and their response to adversity, then boasted about his team's accomplishments as the regular season came to an end.
"That's four wins in a row. That's four road wins in a row. That's six in a row down here, which this is not an easy place to come play. That's six in a row down here, and it's our seventh win. There it is, Chapel. There's six-seven, so maybe there's something to that. I don't know," Swinney joked at his postgame press conference.
"Now we've put ourselves in position to maybe get to the postseason and maybe try to get an eighth win," he said, adding, "It's not what we set out to do, but it's only two teams that had eight wins in a row, and that's Alabama and Georgia. That's quite a turnaround."
Swinney indicated that the eight wins were the most significant turnaround in Clemson's program history, before firing back at critics who questioned the team amid its previous struggles.
“I know everybody likes to give me math lessons around here. That’s nine out of 11. That’s nine out of 11. You all was all ready for the three out of four. You all couldn’t wait. You had them articles listen. Let me just help, that’s nine out of 11,” he said.
Clemson, initially listed amongst potential contenders to win the College Football Playoff, or at the very least win the ACC, stumbled out of the gate, losing three of their first four games. After a two-game win streak, they suffered two losses before winning four straight, including today.
With the win over South Carolina, the Tigers are now 7-5. Next, they’ll await the decision on a potential college bowl game to try to add another significant win, in a season that looked dismal after
Read more: Clemson’s Cade Klubnik Shares Injury Update Before South Carolina Game
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