[4] However, the Gamecocks returned very few proven skill players and faced what was called the most difficult schedule in the country.

[5][6] The Gamecocks still won most of the games on that schedule, including two against top-15 teams, though postseason struggles under Spurrier continued.

[11][12] Despite the 7–6 record and "embarrassing" bowl loss,[2] the upsets over Ole Miss and Clemson has been described as catalysts to the most successful era in program history: an SEC East Championship in 2010 and 11-win seasons in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Each of those years also saw victories over Clemson – South Carolina's longest winning streak in the rivalry.

[29] at Williams-Brice Stadium • Columbia, South Carolina Projected starters and primary backups versus Clemson on November 28, 2009.