Live updates from Williams-Brice: Clemson football takes down South Carolina

It’s time for the 2023 Palmetto Bowl.

South Carolina battles in-state rival Clemson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with the Gamecocks (5-6) needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. Here’s the latest from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

Clemson wins 2023 Palmetto Bowl

It’s over. Clemson beats South Carolina 16-7 in Williams-Brice Stadium to move to 8-4 and drop the Gamecocks to 5-7 (and most likely out of a bowl game).

The Gamecocks got the ball back down nine points with 5:57 to go but went eight plays, 29 plays and turnover on downs when QB Spencer Rattler’s pass to WR Luke Doty was way short of the line of scrimmage. Clemson, from there, got a few first downs on the ground and ran out the clock.

Clemson ends the season on a four-game win streak, while South Carolina finishes 5-7 with its bowl eligibility teetering in the balance (more on that soon).

South Carolina chooses punt

Big decision from coach Shane Beamer. Trailing 16-7 in the fourth quarter, Beamer chose to punt instead of leaving the South Carolina offense on the field with roughly 10 minutes to go in the game.

That’s an interesting call down two possessions (nine points) as QB Spencer Rattler and WR Xavier Legette were getting some momentum earlier in the drive. And with bowl eligibility teetering in the balance.

Weitz hat trick

Jonathan Weitz is getting a workout. His third field goal of the day (this one from 42) puts Clemson up two possessions. Tigers are relying on their kicker in a way they haven’t been able to do all season, and Weitz is delivering. That drive included a 39-yard pass from QB Cade Klubnik to WR Tyler Brown. 16-7 Clemson, 13:16 Q3.

Halftime

Clemson leads South Carolina 13-7 at halftime. About the best-case scenario for the Tigers, given the offensive struggles. Defense, a splash play early (the fumble recovery TD) and two long field goals have Clemson ahead ... somehow. South Carolina’s had its chances, and Spencer Rattler has been a huge positive.

Another Clemson field goal

It’s Jonathan Weitz again, this time from 49 yards, to put Clemson up six points on USC. What a night for Weitz, who’s been shaky this season, to twice bail out a struggling Tigers offense. He has the two longest field goals of his career (50 yards, 49 yards) tonight. 13-7 Clemson, 5:07 Q2.

Clemson field goal

Clemson kicker Jonathan Weitz was 1-6 on field goals over 40 yards before that attempt ... but sneaks a 50-yarder over the goal post as first quarter winds down. That’s the longest FG of his career by 9 yards (previous: 41), and it came after South Carolina dropped a pretty catchable interception. 10-7 Clemson, 0:43 Q1.

Luke Doty ties it

South Carolina gets wild on fourth and 1 from the 1-yard line and goes with a double reverse: QB Spencer Rattler to WR Xavier Legette to WR Luke Doty. Doty, the former QB, scrambles for a bit and runs it in. Tie game after a long South Carolina drive and a huge answer. 7-7, 6:39 Q1.

Scoop and score

Clemson opens with a shocking defensive touchdown as South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler throws a backward pass (it’s dropped) and Clemson safety Khalil Barnes returns it 42 yards. Heads up play by Barnes, as many on field thought that play was dead. Refs confirm it after review. 7-0 Clemson, 14:25 Q1.

Clemson injury report

Official from Clemson football: WR Antonio Williams did not travel for today’s game, so he’s out vs. South Carolina. Williams (toe) practiced a little this week but couldn’t go — there’s a better chance Clemson gets him back for its bowl game.

Also missing from Clemson’s travel roster today: CB Jeadyn Lukus, S Jalyn Phillips and WR Beaux Collins (previously announced). All three of those players have been banged up.

Dakereon Joyner on USC dress list, but no Juice Wells

South Carolina senior running back Dakereon Joyner will be recognized Saturday night during the Gamecocks’ senior day ceremony. He’s also among those on the Gamecocks’ dress list for the game, meaning he could be available to play after dealing with an ankle injury. South Carolina receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells is not on the dress list and won’t play against Clemson.

Final betting line

Clemson will close as a seven-point road favorite at South Carolina, according to the VegasInsider.com consensus line. That’s essentially in line with last Sunday’s opening point spread (Clemson -7.5).

But it’s a significant drop-off from previous point spreads in the series. The Tigers are a single-digit favorite against the Gamecocks regardless of location for the first time since 2014.

Uniform report

South Carolina will be wearing black helmets, garnet tops and garnet bottoms tonight against Clemson, according to the football team’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Clemson will be going with orange helmets, white tops and orange bottoms. Coach Dabo Swinney calls them “orange britches” and has the team wear them when it’s playing for a championship. The “state championship” against USC certainly qualifies.

Tweets by gogamecocks

South Carolina vs Clemson game today

Who: South Carolina (5-6) vs. No. 24 Clemson (7-4)

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: SEC Network

Stream: ESPN.com and the ESPN app