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CU Medallion [18837]
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On This Date: 1980 Clemson- 27 (15)South Carolina- 6
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:01 AM
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11/22/1980
Clemson, SC
Clemson 27, South Carolina 6
By JACK M. KNEECE
UPI Archives
CLEMSON, S.C. -- Senior safety Willie Underwood capped his Clemson career with two interceptions that resulted in touchdowns and Obed Ariri kicked three field goals Saturday to lead the Tigers to a stunning 27-6 victory over 15th-ranked South Carolina.
Tiger fullback Jeff McColl ran 15 yards with 2:24 left in the game for a final touchdown to spoil the Gator Bowl-bound Gamecocks' chances for their best record. South Carolina finished the season 8-3 and Clemson was 6-5.
 
The Tigers broke a 6-6 tie in the third quarter after Underwood ran back his first interception 64 yards. Quarterback Homer Jordan scored on a 1-yard keeper with 32 seconds left in the quarter to make the score 13-6.
Minutes later, Underwood ran back his second interception 37 yards for a score with 14:13 left in the game. They were his only two career interceptions.
McColl's touchdown in the closing minutes made the final score 27-6.
The Tigers scored on a pair of Ariri field goals in the first half. The first came with 4:47 left in the opening quarter, from 41 yards out and was set up by a 54-yard pass from Jordan to wide receiver Perry Tuttle.
South Carolina's Eddie Leopard kicked a 39-yard field in the first quarter with 1:51 on the clock. The score came after a 35-yard romp by Heisman Trophy candidate George Rogers -- his longest of the game.
Rogers finished with 168 yards rushing, although Clemson defensive back Steve Durham seemed to have a permanent assignment to key on him. Rogers gained over 100 yards every game of his seniro season.
Ariri kicked his second field goal -- a 47-yarder with 7:31 left in the second quarter -- after Jordan moved the team on an 18-yard pass play to Tuttle, and fullback Chuck McSwain dashed for 11 yards.
The Gamecocks tied it 6-6 with 10:27 left in the third quarter as Leopard kicked his 12th consecutive career field goal, climaxing a 43-yard drive that included a 13-yard pass to flanker Tim Gillespie and short runs by Rogers.
Clemson players had said they planned to make the 86-year-old intra-state rivalry 'our bowl game.'
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All-American [570]
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Re: On This Date: 1980 Clemson- 27 (15)South Carolina- 6
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:27 AM
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For me, that might be the greatest regular season game ever.
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110%er [3889]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Hoping for a repeat performance in 8 days***
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:42 AM
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Orange Blooded [2128]
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Re: On This Date: 1980 Clemson- 27 (15)South Carolina- 6
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:43 AM
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What an awesome, great game. Underwood's second interception -- for the touchdown -- was right in front of me.
After the game, I was offering $2 for Gator Bowl tickets. I was kind of obnoxious, then. LOL!
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All-Pro [760]
TigerPulse: 85%
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I was in high school at that time. I was sitting on the hill with my sweet
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:46 AM
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dear mom God rest her soul. 
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Orange Immortal [67583]
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That was my senior year in high school
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:07 AM
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My girlfriends parents had season tickets and we sat on the top row of the west end zone just above the Clemson locker room.
If memory serves, that was also the first time Clemson wore orange game pants (britches).
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Clemson Sports Icon [57748]
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I was on The Hill that day
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Nov 22, 2024, 9:58 AM
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It was the beginning of a great run for the Tigers!
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MVP [519]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: I was on The Hill that day
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:02 AM
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Same. in high school. and on the hill with my dad that day. just the two of us. what a day that was.
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TigerNet Icon [151380]
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I was on the hill too
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:02 AM
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as a freshman. What a great game.
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Game Day Hero [4350]
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I was on the hill and didn't realize the orange pants until 1/2 time.
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:42 AM
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Tore up from the floor up.
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Dynasty Maker [3308]
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Debut of the orange britches!!!***
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Nov 22, 2024, 10:45 AM
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