USC-Clemson Pics, Storylines

The University of South Carolina’s surprise 34-17 drubbing of arch-rival Clemson was replete with story lines … here are just a few that we selected for your edification.

HERE, KITTY KITTY - South Carolina ran its “Wildcat” (err, “Wildcock”) formation on just one series Saturday, but it paid off big time with a critical early touchdown.  Trailing 7-0, head coach Steve Spurrier inserted starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore (who like Stephen Garcia wears No. 5) into the lineup at quarterback.  After three straight rushes, Gilmore lobbed a perfect 39-yard strike to fellow true freshman Alshon Jeffrey. Three plays later, South Carolina was in the end zone.

STREAKS STOPPED - South Carolina snapped a three game losing streak Saturday while Clemson lost a game for the first time since falling to Maryland 24-21 on October 3.

CHECK THE ENGINE – After averaging 38 points and 415 yards a game during its six-game winning streak, the Tigers were able to amass only 10 offensive points and 260 total yards against South Carolina.  Also, all ten of those points (and more than half of Clemson’s total yards) came in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.

NOT EVEN CLOSE – After three straight games decided by four points or less, the last two Carolina-Clemson games have been blowouts.  Clemson romped over the Gamecocks by 17 points a year ago in Death Valley, while South Carolina returned the favor with its 17-point win on Saturday.  This year’s drubbing was also the first time all season that Clemson has lost by more than four points.

DECLINING INTEREST? – Continuing a downward trend, Saturday’s announced Carolina-Clemson attendance figure (80,574) was the smallest crowd to watch the rivalry game in a decade.  USC drew 85,000 to the contest back in 2001 (a 20-15 USC win), while Clemson drew 85,187 in 2000 (a 16-14 Clemson victory).

SPILLER SETS RECORD – In one of the few bright moments for the Tigers on Saturday, Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Spiller set an NCAA record with his seventh career kickoff return for a touchdown.  The play occurred on a re-kick of the opening kickoff (after South Carolina was called for an offside penalty).  The previous record of six kickoff returns for touchdowns was held by Spiller and two other players – Southern California’s Anthony Davis (1972-74) and Tulsa’s Ashlan Davis (2004-05).

7,000 CLUB – C.J. Spiller’s record-breaking kickoff return in the first quarter was noteworthy for another reason, as he became only the fifth player in NCAA history to amass 7,000 all-purpose yards over the course of his career.

NO HEISMAN FOR YOU – Despite his record-breaking kickoff return to open the game, the explosive Spiller was bottled up by the Gamecock defense all afternoon, likely ending his Heisman Trophy quest.  Spiller had just 18 rushing yards on nine attempts and only 19 receiving yards on three catches.  His only punt return? Yeah, it went for 2 yards.  Rated No. 4 on ESPN’s Heisman list heading into the game, Spiller was likely leapfrogged by Florida’s Tim Tebow and Boise State’s Kellen Moore.

NEW JERSEYS – Clemson was one of several Division I-A squads trying out new Nike “Pro Combat” jerseys on Saturday. The new jerseys are made out of a lightweight, sweat-resistant fabric that also reportedly “shrink wraps” itself to the player’s pads and skin, making it harder for opposing players to make tackles.  Nike “Zoom Vapor Fly” cleats (weighing just ten ounces) were also provided to Tiger players. A few of the other teams sporting the new threads Saturday were Florida, LSU, Miami, Missouri, Texas Christian and Virginia Tech.

TEXT TRASH TALK – It took less than five seconds after Saturday’s game ended for FITS founding editor Sic Willie – who has two degrees from the University of South Carolina – to fire off the first of what would be several incendiary text messages to Clemson fans.  The message? “34-17. Spanked that ass!!!”

WHAT’S NEXT? – Clemson heads to Tampa next Saturday for the ACC Championship game – a rematch against Georgia Tech.  South Carolina awaits its bowl invitation, which is likely to be a much better locale

OUR MVP – FITS would like to thank Travis Bell of Sideline Carolina for his hard work all season in providing us with pics from both Carolina and Clemson games.  Sure, we’re paying him (editor’s note: wait … what?) but Bell has done a remarkable job all season capturing memorable moments (like this one) from the 2009 season.  We look forward to bringing you more of his work in the months and years to come …

PICS – Speaking of which, click on any of the pics below for larger, high-resolution images …

Caption (^): USC running back Brian Maddox races for a big gain against Clemson during South Carolina’s 34-17 win Saturday.

Caption (^): USC freshman wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey leaps for a reception over Clemson’s Chris Chancellor.

Caption (^): Presumptive All-American linebacker Eric Norwood, a senior, hugs head coach Steve Spurrier prior to kickoff.

Caption (^): USC freshman cornerback Stephon Gilmore tries his luck at the quarterback position.

Caption (^): USC freshman wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey snags a pass from Stephon Gilmore.

Caption (^): USC sophomore Akeem Auguste corrals Clemson speedster Jacoby Ford.

Caption (^): USC freshman defensive back DeVonte Holloman makes a play.

Caption (^): A dejected C.J. Spiller walks off the field.

Caption (^): Junior tight end Weslye Saunders keeps his balance en route to a first quarter touchdown.

Caption (^): Saunders celebrates his score.

Caption (^): Freshman running back Kenny Miles was USC’s workhorse, amassing 114 yards on 17 carries.

Caption (^): Freshman wide receiver Tori Gurley hauls in a decisive second half touchdown.

Caption (^): USC fans and players celebrate a rare Gamecock victory over the Tigers.

Caption (^): Sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia celebrates with fans.

Caption (^): Senior wide receiver Moe Brown celebrates with fans.

Pics: Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina

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