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No. 12 Clemson's aspiration to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff took a significant hit following a narrow 17-14 defeat at home to No. 15 South Carolina. The Gamecocks' victory was fueled by two pivotal touchdown runs from quarterback LaNorris Sellers, including a 20-yard scramble on a critical third-and-16 with just over a minute remaining.

Despite a final drive effort, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik's interception sealed the win for South Carolina. The game's first quarter saw both teams struggle, with South Carolina fumbling on its inaugural drive and Clemson turning it over on downs. Clemson eventually broke the stalemate in the second quarter with a touchdown, only for the Gamecocks to respond swiftly. Sellers tied the game with a remarkable 25-yard touchdown run.

As the second half commenced, Clemson regained the lead with another touchdown, as Klubnik showcased his rushing abilities by scoring both of the Tigers' touchdowns and accumulating 62 rushing yards. The third quarter was marred by consecutive turnovers from both teams. Clemson safety Khalil Barnes intercepted Sellers at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Tigers could not capitalize and were forced to punt.

South Carolina then narrowed the deficit with a field goal before Sellers took charge with the decisive game-winning touchdown, evading two tackles to reach the end zone. Sellers finished the match with an impressive 166 rushing yards, surpassing his 164 passing yards.

This defeat drops Clemson to a 9-3 record, relegating their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff to a potential win in the ACC title, contingent on a Syracuse upset of Miami.