Brian Kelly entered the third game of his third season at LSU hoping to avoid the Tigers' second upset loss of the young season.
LSU lost 27-20 in its season opener against the USC Trojans in Las Vegas Sept. 1.
While LSU left Columbia, South Carolina, with a win, the Tigers needed a second half comeback and a kick to go wide right as time expired to secure the victory over the Gamecocks.
South Carolina got off to a fast start, fueled by first-time starters in quarterback LaNorris Sellers and edge rusher Dylan Stewart.