White connected on a 39-yard game-tying field goal with 6:46 remaining in the contest, then converted a 36-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Gamecocks to the win.
South Carolina leads the all-time series with Kentucky by an 18-13-1 count, including a 9-5-1 advantage when the game has been played in Columbia.
South Carolina now turns its attention to SEC play when the Gamecocks open their conference season Thursday, September 16 at Missouri.
It was a bumpy debut for Lawrence, during which he threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed three interceptions, often overthrew open receivers and was the victim of several drops.
It’s the first season-opening win for the Panthers since 2018.
Former Clemson running back CJ Spiller was honored during Saturday’s SC State-Clemson matchup, ahead of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame this December.
D.J. Uiagalelei ran for two touchdowns and threw for a third as No. 6 Clemson defeated South Carolina State 49-3 on Saturday, cranking up its offense after a sorry showing in a loss to second-ranked Georgia a week earlier.
The turnovers and penalties kept coming to put South Carolina in a 14-point hole. An aggressive defense, a stick-with-it running game and a clutch kick kept the Gamecocks from stumbling.
South Carolina State (0-1) at No. 6 Clemson (0-1), Saturday at 5 p.m. EDT (ACC Network).
Click the video to watch week 1 highlights of the high school football slate. “Friday Night Fever” is sponsored by Wendy’s and White Brown Smiles.
