Defense plays well, Ellington coy about future
South Carolina freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney came out with a vengeance against Clemson after being sidelined in the first quarter as punishment due to an academic issue.
The Rock Hill native recorded his seventh sack of the season in the fourth quarter on Saturday, taking down Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd for a loss of two yards.
"I've been working hard to get a sack," Clowney said. "I told the defensive line, I said I have to get a sack. I don't know what I'm going to do to get the sack, double team, hold him, roll him out, but I said I'm going to get a sack before this game is over. I did all I could to get a sack."
Clowney's sack was one of five on the night for the Gamecocks. The defensive line's pressure on Boyd helped limit Clemson to 83 passing yards on the night.
"[The pressure] affected him a lot," Clowney said. "Every time we were back there, he felt like we were back. He wasn't really setting up to throw the ball. He was kind of looking around to see where he was, moving around in the pocket. He wasn't trying to hit his targets."
Defense traps Tigers: In one of its best performances of the season, USC's defense held Clemson to 153 yards of offense after the Tigers entered the matchup averaging over 465 yards per game.
"A team with as high potent an offense as Clemson has, or used to have – they struggled the last two games, but they were very impressive early in the season – it was very good to see our guys have another excellent defensive game," coach Steve Spurrier said.
USC's defense has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, but assistant head coach Ellis Johnson said the players stepped up in spite of concerns about whether some players would be available for the game. Clowney and DeVonte Holloman returned to the field after both left last week's game against The Citadel. Quin Smith also returned to the starting lineup after missing last week with a back strain.
"You cannot believe the distractions and some of the difficulties we had with preparation, some of these kids playing with injuries and missing practice," Johnson said. "We were really concerned if we'd have them for the game, and some of those same guys played 35, 40 plays and did a heck of a job."
Ellington switches sports: Bruce Ellington will return to the basketball team this week after playing a variety of positions as a redshirt freshman for the football team.
"[Ellington] was smiling in the locker room," Spurrier said. "I think Bruce enjoys playing both sports. I really think he can play both. I know it may take a toll on him a bit, but I told him after the game you're free to go [to the basketball team] tomorrow."
Ellington refused to answer questions about whether he plans to return to the football team next season.
"It's the future," Ellington said. "I don't know what the future holds. I'll just pray ... and whatever happens, happens."