Snap judgments as Tigers dominate South Carolina once again

COLUMBIA — When Clemson running back Will Shipley crossed the goal line with 11:44 remaining in the first quarter against South Carolina, he provided all of the scoring the Tigers would need for their seventh straight rivalry victory.

Clemson’s defense was absolutely dominant Saturday night at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, holding the Gamecocks to 206 yards of offense in the 30-0 win.

The victory was Clemson’s seventh straight against USC and the first shutout in the series since 1989. Clemson has won the past five games against the Gamecocks by an average of 32 points.

“That was fun. Just really proud of our guys, especially our seniors. To be able to leave here, not only undefeated at home but undefeated against South Carolina, that’s a rare accomplishment,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “Seven in a row, first time since the ’30s. Just really proud of our team. That was Clemson football tonight, all three phases.”

This rivalry is completely one-sided right now, and it doesn’t seem that that’s going to change anytime soon. Here are some other early takeaways from Saturday night:

Clemson defense vs. USC offense unfair

On paper, South Carolina’s offense against Clemson’s defense seemed like an unfair fight. As it turns out, it was an even bigger mismatch than it appeared. Not only were the Gamecocks shut out, they didn’t get close to scoring until the final seconds. USC’s first play in the red zone came with 20 seconds remaining in the game.

Brent Venables had his unit ready to play as the Tigers played their assignments well all night. Clemson controlled the line of scrimmage and covered well on the back end, led by Andrew Booth Jr., who had two interceptions.

“Our defense, they were fighting hard for [the shutout]. And especially with how these guys have scored in the second half and fourth quarter,” Swinney said.

“It was awesome to see so many guys get to play and continue to keep them out of the end zone.”

Clemson plays smash mouth football

The Tigers lined up and ran right at South Carolina, and there was nothing the Gamecocks could do about it. In the first half alone, Clemson had 193 rushing yards while averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Shipley led the way with 19 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown. Kobe Pace added 58 yards and a score.

This marked the second consecutive week that Clemson has lined up and run it right at an opponent with success. It’s been quite the turnaround down the stretch from the first half of the year.

“Hats off to that offensive line and our defensive line. They led the way,” Swinney said.

DJ Uiagalelei does just enough

The sophomore quarterback was only 9-for-19 passing for 99 yards with an interception, but that’s all he needed to do. Uiagalelei had a big scramble on third-and-11 on Clemson’s first drive, which led to a touchdown. And he threw some nice balls to Clemson’s banged up receivers, although not many of them were caught.

The California native did just enough in the passing game and running game to help the Tigers to a comfortable win.

“Super proud of this team from how we started to where we are now,” Swinney said. “I’m happy for our fans. This is a big game, it’s an important game. We know that. So to be state champs is something that we don’t ever take for granted.”