South Carolina pauses Clemson playoff hopes in bizarre second half

Man, what a game.   With 1:08 remaining, LaNorris Sellers scored a 20-yard touchdown run to give No. 16 South Carolina its sixth straight win, as it beat 12th-ranked Clemson 17-14 on Saturday.

In his first year as a starter, Sellers has been on a tear in his first season as a starter. He finished with 166 yards rushing ,164 yards passing and  scored two touchdowns on the ground. Clemson simply had no answer for him. The Gamecocks continued a run that saw them defeat four ranked opponents.

With 16 seconds left in the game, Clemson had a chance to tie the game with a field goal when Demetrius Knight Jr. intercepted Cade Klubnik's pass at the South Carolina 18.  The Tigers will get another chance at playoffs in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game.  They qualified after No. 8 Miami lost to Syracuse 42-38.  They will play No. 9 SMU.

The Tigers lost to both ranked SEC opponents this season, first to No.  Georgia is ranked 1 to start the year and then rival South Carolina. 

For South Carolina, this victory solidifies their position as a formidable force in college football, showcasing their ability to compete against and defeat top-ranked teams. The win not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their reputation on the national stage. With their sixth consecutive victory, the Gamecocks have demonstrated growth and resilience, setting them up for a promising future in the conference.