No. 8 Clemson is out of the College Football Playoff race after losing 31-30 to South Carolina, which snapped a six-game losing streak in the series and the Tigers’ 40-game home winning streak at Tiger Stadium. Clemson took a two-touchdown lead in the first half but squandered the advantage with costly turnovers and awful quarterback play.
Special teams took center stage in the Gamecocks’ win, a fitting statement for longtime special teams coordinator turned head coach Shane Beamer. South Carolina punted from its own 19-yard line and forced a fumble by returner Antonio Williams that the visitors recovered to run out the clock. Punter Kai Kroeger had an unbelievable game with seven boots, five of which were downed inside the 20-yard line. Only one of those ensuing drives led to points for the Tigers.
