Instant Halftime Analysis: South Carolina 17, Clemson 10

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sat Nov 30 20:56:11 GMT-04:00 2013

COLUMBIA – For much of the first half, it seemed like the Clemson – South Carolina game for the last four years was on repeat.

The Tigers moved the ball consistently for much of the first half, but two early turnovers in the first half led to two South Carolina touchdowns and a 17-10 Gamecock lead.

Player of the half: Roderick McDowellRoderick McDowell
Gr. Running Back
#25 5-9, 195
Sumter, SC
View Full Profile has carried the load on offense for the Tigers. McDowell has eight carries for 72 yards and has looked virtually unstoppable on most of his carries.

Stat of the half: The Clemson offense has only four less yards than South Carolina – 199 to 195 – but trails the Gamecocks 19:42 to 10:18 in time of possession.

What’s working for the Tigers: The running game has worked well for the Tigers with McDowell leading the way, which has led to open receivers for quarterback Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile down field. For the most part, the offensive line has given Boyd plenty of time to find his receivers and set up quick plays to the running backs. The defense did an admirable job on first and second down, putting South Carolina in difficult spots on just about every drive of the first half. Clemson’s run defense was outstanding on first and second down and the only running the Gamecocks could muster was Shaw on third down.

What’s not working for the Tigers: Third down. Third down. Third down. The Gamecocks were 8-for-11 on third down in the first half, with many of the conversions being over five yards. Turnovers were key in the first half – a pass by Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Jr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile was picked off in the endzone on the Tigers first possession and a muffed punt later in the first quarter led to the Gamecocks only two touchdowns.

What the Tigers need to do to win: Clemson needs to play flawless football and not make careless mistakes in the second half if it wants to have a chance at ending the four game losing streak. The defense stopped South Carolina on third down on its final two drives of the first half, but its imperative that the trend continues into the second half for the Tigers to have a chance. The offensive line has to come out and play with the same fire and consistency in the second half and hold the Gamecocks’ powerful defensive line at bay for the final two quarters.