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by Looks like Spurrier knocked Clemson out of the top 25
South Carolina earns first victory at Death Valley since '96
Nov. 25, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
CLEMSON, S.C. -- South Carolina and Steve Spurrier finally found a way to beat a ranked opponent and end a four-game losing streak to a state rival.
Mike Davis rushed for two second-half touchdowns and Ryan Succop hit a go-ahead 35-yard field goal as the Gamecocks defeated No. 24 Clemson 31-28 on Saturday.
The Gamecocks (7-5) trailed 28-14 after C.J. Spiller's second touchdown run early in the third quarter and looked like they were about to fall again to Clemson (8-4), as they have so many times in this 104-game series. South Carolina also had dropped its five previous games against ranked Southeastern Conference foes this year.
This time, though, the Gamecocks rallied behind quarterback Blake Mitchell, who shook off three earlier interceptions to lead three scoring drives.
Clemson had a final chance, driving to South Carolina's 22. But Jad Dean missed a 39-yard field goal left with 13 seconds remaining that would have tied the game. Instead, the Gamecocks celebrated their first victory at Death Valley since 1996.
The Tigers opened the year 7-1 and got as high as No. 10 in the polls. But they finished by dropping three of their final four games.
The Gamecocks gained 492 yards, surpassing the previous season high of 332 yards Clemson gave up in a loss to Virginia Tech.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
