COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — In a rivalry game defined by a dominant defensive performance and a relentless ground attack, the Clemson Tigers defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 28 to 14 on Saturday afternoon at a packed Williams-Brice Stadium.

The victory, secured in the annual Palmetto Bowl clash, improved Clemson’s record to 7-5, while South Carolina concluded its season at 4-8.

The game was a tale of two halves, with a wild and high-scoring second quarter giving way to a defensive struggle. After a scoreless first quarter, the teams combined for 31 points in the second frame. Clemson’s offense, led by a powerful rushing performance from Adam Randall, found its footing, while South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers connected on two long touchdown passes to keep the Gamecocks within striking distance.

Clemson seized control in the second quarter with a methodical 12-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 10-yard touchdown run by Randall. The Tigers extended their lead minutes later when quarterback Cade Klubnik powered in for a 3-yard scoring run, capping another sustained drive.

Sandwiched between those scores, however, were explosive plays from the Gamecocks. Sellers found a wide-open Nyck Harbor for a 53-yard touchdown strike. Later in the quarter, after Clemson’s second touchdown, Sellers hit Vandrevius Jacobs on a quick pass that turned into a 74-yard score, showcasing the home run potential of the South Carolina offense.

Clemson added to its lead just before halftime. A well-managed two-minute drive, featuring several completions from Klubnik to Cole Turner and Christian Bentancur, set up a 32-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser as time expired, sending the Tigers into the locker room with a 17-14 advantage.

The second half belonged almost entirely to the Clemson defense. The Tigers shut out the Gamecocks over the final two quarters, consistently pressuring Sellers and stifling the South Carolina attack. Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown was a force, recording a game-high nine tackles, while defensive end T.J. Parker wreaked havoc with three sacks and two quarterback hurries. Linebacker Will Heldt also contributed significantly with 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits.

The only scoring in the third quarter came from Hauser, who connected on a 42-yard field goal to extend the Clemson lead to 20-14.

The game was ultimately put out of reach in the fourth quarter. With South Carolina driving and seeking a go-ahead score, the Clemson defense delivered the decisive blow. Sellers, under duress, threw an errant pass that was intercepted by Clemson’s Ricardo Jones and returned 12 yards for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the Tigers a commanding 28-14 lead with just over three minutes remaining, sealing the victory.

Klubnik finished the game with 268 yards passing and one touchdown on 24-of-39 attempts, adding 12 yards and a score on the ground. His primary target was T.J. Moore, who hauled in six receptions for 101 yards. Antonio Williams added seven catches for 66 yards.

But the offensive star for Clemson was Randall. The wide receiver was utilized extensively in the running game, carrying the ball 24 times for 102 yards and a touchdown, providing a physical, clock-controlling element that South Carolina struggled to contain.

For South Carolina, Sellers compiled 381 passing yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-42 throwing, but was sacked five times and threw two critical interceptions. Jacobs was his top receiver, finishing with seven catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. Harbor was also a major contributor, catching six passes for 115 yards and a score.

The Gamecocks’ defense was led by linebacker Fred Johnson, who had eight tackles and two quarterback hurries, and defensive back Jalon Kilgore, who made seven tackles and secured an interception in the end zone to thwart an early Clemson drive.

The final score defied the pregame projections from Interstat, which had given South Carolina a 54 percent probability to win and projected a narrow 26-23 Clemson victory. The combined score of 42 points fell under the betting over/under line of 45.5.