Clemson traveled down to Columbia to take on a resurgent South Carolina team in the annual Palmetto Bowl, with playoff implications for the Tigers. With Alabama falling to Auburn and Miami losing to Pitt, the Tigers had a number one ranking in their sights as they took the field at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Gamecocks took the opening kickoff and started their drive at the 27. USC managed a first down, but the Tiger defense stiffened and forced a punt near midfield. The Tigers took over at the 20 and Ray-Ray McCloud moved the sticks with a first down run to the 31.