On This Date: 1997 Clemson- 47 South Carolina- 21

Nov 22, 2021, 11:37 AM

11/22/1997
Columbia, SC

Clemson- 47, So. Carolina- 21

Clemson scored 44 unanswered points, including a 27-0 run in the third period, and defeated archrival South Carolina 47-21 at Columbia, SC. Nealon Greene completed 12-15 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns and Tony Horne became the first player in Clemson history to score a touchdown on a punt return and a reception in the same game. The Tigers celebrated a 47-point performance, the most points scored by a Clemson team against South Carolina since 1900.

There was a pregame uncertainty about the physical condition of Raymond Priester, who had missed most of the last three games with a sprained ankle. But, Priester showed he was healthy on the opening drive and led the Tigers to a field goal that put Clemson up 3-0.

South Carolina then retaliated with a pair of rushing touchdowns, two of just 10 rushing scores yielded by Reggie Herring's sixth-ranked rushing defense all season. The Gamecocks were driving for a third score of the first half when one play turned the course of the game. Troy Hambrick threw a bad pitch and Clemson freshman Chad Speck pounced on his first career fumble recover.

With just 1:48 remaining in the half, Clemson's productive two-minute offense drove for a score. Greene was involved in all six plays, including a pair of double digit yardage runs. He found Brian Wofford for a seven-yard score 33 seconds before halftime.

Antwan Edwards, who had been moved to cornerback in week seven, dominated the third period like no Clemson defensive back since Terry Kinard won National Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1982.

First, he intercepted Victor Penn's sideline pass. Six plays later Nealon Greene connected with Tony Horne for a record tying eighth touchdown pass of the season. It as Greene's 15th scoring pass of the season, a Clemson single season mark.

The Clemson defense performed on cue. Tony Plantin, who had a season best seven tackles, combined with Adrian Dingle to sack Victor Penn. Punting from the shadow of their goal line, The Gamecocks booted to Tony Horne. The ACC's top All-purpose player, made a few timely direction changes and darted 39-yards for a touchdown, Clemson's first punt return for a score in six years.

But, the Clemson defense as not finished. On the very next South Carolina possession, Edwards was at it again. This time the ACC Defensive Player of the Week took the scoring load into his own hands and pranced 42-yards for a touchdown and a 33-14 Clemson lead.

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On This Date: 1997 Clemson- 47 South Carolina- 21

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