1. Some actual competition in the rivalry
The past two seasons, South Carolina’s football team fell into 35-0 and 34-0 holes against Clemson. On Saturday, the Gamecocks struck fast and put up big plays early even if the outcome was a 56-35 loss. USC also kept fighting late, meaning the Tigers’ stars were in there all the way to the end.
2. Jake’s air show
By halftime, South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley had more than 300 yards. Soon enough, he had the most for any Gamecocks quarterback against Clemson.