Five takeaways from Clemson's revenge win over South Carolina (2024)

Jonathan Weitz, are you kidding me! What a gutsy performance from Weitz, as he was the clear MVP of this game. Everyone knows Clemson’s struggles kicking the ball this season, and even with those struggles, Swinney opted to continue to put his faith in Weitz. That faith paid off Saturday in the win. Weitz looked like a completely different player against the Gameco*cks, hitting a 50, 49, and 42-yard field goal. Weitz deserves a lot of credit for this performance.

Once again, it was another elite performance from the Clemson defense. This defense is one of the best in the country and they proved it week after week this season. It’s a shame that a defense this talented has more or less gone to waste, because they have been a ton of fun to watch. Defense produced the only Clemson touchdown, with freshman safety Khalil Barnes picking up a fumble and taking it for a 42-yard scoop and score. He added an interception on the Gameco*cks’ next offensive play.

Overall, the Clemson defense allowed 169 total yards, shutting down both the South Carolina pass game and run game. Gameco*cks’ starting quarterback Spencer rattler had no answers for this talented Clemson defense. Time after time this defense carries the offense to a win.

Clemson’s defense has been phenomenal this season, and a lot of the credit for that needs to go to defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. It has been a night and day difference regarding Goodwin and how this Clemson defense has been coached and performed. Goodwin struggled to make adjustments in his first season as DC, and the team suffered because of it. Goodwin has done an excellent job making adjustments this season and has this defense humming. Credit to Goodwin; he has been an incredibly valuable member of this coaching staff.

Clemson starting quarterback Cade Klubnik had looked improved over the last few weeks… we did not see that Klubnik was against the Gameco*cks. To call a spade a spade, South Carolina’s defense has not been good this season. They looked very good against this Clemson offense, which was partly due to the lack of strong play at quarterback and possibly even more so at wide receiver. Clemson’s wide receivers were a no-show today, failing to get open often and when, at points when they did, making some terrible drops. Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley did them no favors as well, coaching his first confusing play-calling performance in a few weeks. Overall, Clemson’s passing attack was tough to watch.

Rivalry week can go either way: well or not well. It went well for Clemson this time around. Last season’s 31-30 loss to the Gameco*cks was a brutal one that ended multiple Clemson streaks and helped keep the Tigers from another College Football Playoff appearance. It wasn’t the prettiest win from Clemson, but it was a way to respond after last season’s blunder. Swinney and his players showed a lot of heart in this win, and I know it feels great for them and the Clemson fan base. Sweet, sweet revenge: South Carolina is Clemson’s state!