Tough loss

Charlie Feehan finds space against the Tigers. (photo by Tianna Mandukich)

Clemson pulled away from South Carolina Saturday to earn a hard-fought 34-21 victory over the Gamecocks Saturday.

It was a contest of huge momentum swings.

Grant Ruhlen staked USC to a 7-0 lead after a converted try at the 7-minute mark. The next 20 minutes belonged to the Tigers. USC played penalty-plagued defense inside their 22, and the disciplined Clemson team took advantage by scoring three tries and building a 27-7 lead.

The Gamecocks wrestled momentum away from the Tigers after Charlie Feehan scored a converted try at the 31-minute mark. Fellow sophomore Landen Day added a converted try a few minutes later to make the score 21-27 at the break.

In a back-and-forth second half, both teams had scoring chances. Clemson scored midway through the half to go up 34-21. The Gamecocks battled deep into Tiger territory on several occasions but were undone by handling errors.

The Gamecocks defeated Clemson 27-24 in the second game. USC was led by trys from Abram Keener, Will McKernan, Connor McPhail and Jamie Franchock.

The Gamecocks host the University of Georgia 7:30 p.m. Friday to close out the fall campaign. The A and B side games will be played at 1101 Bluff Road.