Michigan entered the game with an 8–4 record, having lost to the (at the time) top three teams in the AP Poll: Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Michigan also lost to Nebraska.
Game summary[]
"The Hit"
Widely considered to mark the turning point in the game for South Carolina, "The Hit' refers to a play by Defensive End Jadeveon Clowney late in the fourth quarter of play. After a controversial call giving Michigan a first down, Clowney gained instant fame for a hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith that came with 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The hit forced a fumble that Clowney himself recovered,[3] which then set up a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ace Sanders on the next play. Though this play itself did not result in the winning touchdown, it is considered by many to have motivated a previously lethargic Gamecock offense to rally and ultimately win the game.[4]