The highly anticipated Clemson vs. Carolina rivalry took center stage in 2019, with both teams bringing their A-game to the gridiron. The 2019 edition of this storied matchup, held on November 30 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, was a battle for the ages, filled with drama, excitement, and a touch of controversy.
The Build-Up: A Tale of Two Powerhouses
Leading up to the game, both Clemson and South Carolina had put together impressive resumes. The Tigers, under the guidance of head coach Dabo Swinney, were riding high after winning the national championship in 2018 and were ranked fourth in the nation. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks, led by coach Will Muschamp, had shown significant improvement, boasting a 6-5 record and a chance to spoil Clemson's season.
Clemson's Unstoppable Offense vs. Carolina's Tenacious Defense
Clemson's offense, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, was one of the most potent in the country. The Tigers averaged over 45 points per game and racked up nearly 550 yards of total offense per contest. South Carolina, on the other hand, was known for their stingy defense, led by linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. The Gamecocks allowed just over 20 points per game and were ranked in the top 25 nationally in total defense.
The Game: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game lived up to its billing, with both teams trading blows throughout. Clemson struck first, with Lawrence connecting with wide receiver Tee Higgins for a 34-yard touchdown pass. However, South Carolina responded with a touchdown of their own, as quarterback Ryan Hilinski found wide receiver Bryan Edwards for a 28-yard score. The first quarter ended with the score tied at 7-7.
The second quarter was a defensive slugfest, with neither team able to find the end zone. Clemson's defense, led by linebacker Isaiah Simmons, was able to contain Hilinski and the Gamecocks' offense. Meanwhile, South Carolina's defense held their own, limiting Clemson's offense to just a field goal, giving the Gamecocks a 10-9 lead at halftime.
A Controversial Call and a Game-Changing Play
The third quarter was a turning point in the game. With South Carolina driving, Hilinski threw a pass that was intercepted by Clemson safety K'Von Wallace. However, the play was reviewed and overturned, with officials ruling that Wallace had trapped the ball, making it an incomplete pass. The Gamecocks retained possession and scored a touchdown on the next play, extending their lead to 17-9.
The call infuriated Clemson fans and players alike, but the Tigers didn't let it rattle them. They responded with a touchdown drive of their own, with Lawrence finding wide receiver Justyn Ross for a 12-yard touchdown pass. The score was now 17-16 in favor of South Carolina, setting up a thrilling fourth quarter.
The Finish: A Tiger Comeback
The final quarter was a rollercoaster ride. Clemson took the lead with a field goal, making the score 19-17. South Carolina had a chance to retake the lead, but a missed field goal kept the Gamecocks behind. With just over a minute left in the game, Clemson drove down the field and scored a touchdown, giving them a 26-17 lead. South Carolina had one last chance, but a Hail Mary pass fell short, securing the victory for the Tigers.
The 2019 Clemson vs. Carolina game was a testament to the intensity and passion of this rivalry. Despite the controversial call, both teams left it all on the field, providing fans with a game they won't soon forget. As the clock struck zero, the Tigers celebrated their victory, while the Gamecocks looked ahead to next year, determined to avenge their loss.
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