Why we gave Clemson football coaching, Dabo Swinney a D in loss to South Carolina

Todd Shanesy, Greenville News
·2 min read
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CLEMSON – This is why teachers and parents always say to finish classes strong.

Clemson football would have earned good marks at halftime Saturday, but the Tigers couldn't keep it going and lost, 31-30, to South Carolina at Memorial Stadium.

Clemson (10-2) will play Dec. 3 (8 p.m., ABC) in the ACC championship against North Carolina in Charlotte and then a bowl game.

The Gamecocks (8-4) broke a seven-game losing streak to Clemson and snapped the Tigers' home victory streak at 40, which is an ACC record.

Here's how we graded Clemson's performance:

Offense: C-

Clemson had 86 total yards in the second half. The Tigers' only touchdown drive only had to be 47 yards because of a long punt return. They had 25 yards and an interception on their last four possessions. Will Shipley did run for 132 yards on 15 carries.

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Defense: C-

Clemson's defense seemed dominant at the start and even in the fourth quarter, South Carolina's longest scoring drive was 51 yards. But the Tigers could not keep USC quarterback Spencer Rattler contained and they couldn't catch the receivers. Allowing a 72-yard TD pass at crunch time crushed the grade.

Special teams: D

Special teams has been one of the most consistent parts of Clemson's team, but it was up and down. Aidan Swanson pinned a couple of punts deep but had a line drive that didn't work out. A punt return by the Tigers set up a short field, but they fumbled another. Fumbling on a trick kickoff was costly.

Coaching: D

Clemson coaches have seemed to make adjustments and get better as the game goes on. It didn't really happen in this one. At the most critical time, the Tigers didn't have enough answers.

Todd Shanesy covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football coaching, Dabo Swinney gets D vs South Carolina