Coming into the 115th edition of the Palmetto Bowl, the Gamecocks’ refrain was “Never Again,” a reference to last season’s 56-7 beatdown at the hands of the Clemson Tigers. Unfortunately, it was Groundhog Day for South Carolina, and another nightmare unfolded in Williams-Brice as the Tigers pummeled the Gamecocks 34-10.
The game got off to the chippy start you’d expect, as the Gamecocks were clearly feeding off a raucous crowd and their own adrenaline. After electing to receive the ball, South Carolina went nowhere on offense, but managed to force a punt of their own. Unfortunately, Clemson pinned the Gamecocks at their 1-yard line, and quarterback Jake Bentley promptly threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Clemson’s Ryan Carter.