SEC Power Rankings: Alabama is SEC’s only elite team

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (19) carries the ball during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The South Carolina Gamecocks showed a lot of fight in the Palmetto Bowl against Clemson in the season finale – much like they did all season. But, as was the case most of the season, it wasn’t enough in a 37-32 loss to the Tigers.

After a scoreless first quarter, South Carolina fell behind 14-0 in the second and trailed 21-3 early in the third. At that point, the 11-0, No. 1 Tigers appeared to be well on their way to a dominant blowout victory. However, the Gamecocks stormed back to make things very interesting in the second half and pulled to within 28-25 when Shon Carson scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 12:19 left in the game.

Carson gained 52 rushing yards on eight carries and caught a touchdown pass at the end of the game, but backup quarterback Lorenzo Nunez led the Gamecocks with 75 rushing yards on ten carries. Nunez completed only one pass for two yards while starter Perry Orth was 13-for-28 passing for 219 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Orth connected with Deebo Samuel five times for 104 yards, including a 48-yarder, and Samuel was also on the receiving end of a seven-yard touchdown pass. Junior wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, who likely played his last game for the Gamecocks because he is expected to enter the NFL Draft, caught four passes for 86 yards, including a 57-yard TD.

The South Carolina defense forced three turnovers, which went far in keeping the score close, but the Gamecocks allowed 515 total yards, including 236 rushing yards.

Now South Carolina must turn its attention to the future, which includes hiring a new head coach to take over a program coming off its worst season since the 1999 Gamecocks went 0-11.

Next Game: End of Regular Season

Next: Vanderbilt