College Football
Clemson vs South Carolina Football Preview
No. 2 Clemson vs South Carolina. Clemson has won four straight in the Palmetto Bowl. South Carolina enters as 26 point underdogs. The past two years has been nothing but smackdowns for the Tigers, outscoring the Gamecocks 90-17. Clemson has the pressure of winning out to make it into the college football playoff. South Carolina wants nothing more than to spoil the Tigers undefeated season. Who wins the state championship?
Clemson O vs South Carolina D
The Tigers come into this matchup with a statistically balanced offense (272 passing, 248 rushing). Previous opponents have tried to force the Tigers to win by the arm of freshman QB Trevor Lawrence and he has answered the challenge. Travis Etienne is a star that can break out a big play anytime he touches the ball. There are a ton of receivers that can catch and make plays.
South Carolina is hoping to slow the Tigers on defense. Since this is a rivalry game, maybe the Gamecocks can make the most of their opportunities. Still, allowing over 400 yards a game on defense does not look good heading into this matchup. Clemson hasn’t exploded in scoring on offense since their 77 point bomb on Louisville. However, if South Carolina plays close to their defensive statistics, they are going to have a hard time keeping the Tigers from scoring.
Advantage: Clemson
Clemson D vs South Carolina O
The Tiger defense almost needs no introduction. Clemson’s defensive line has been mauling opposing offenses all season. Syracuse and Texas A&M were the only two teams that have had any sort of offensive success against the Tigers. Clemson has allowed 254 yards of total offense (170 passing, 84 rushing) on average per game. South Carolina has experience in Junior QB Jake Bentley but Clemson has had issues with mobile QBs, not pocket passers. Bentley needs to hook up early and often with wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards for the Gamecocks to have a shot.
Advantage: Clemson
What Will Happen…
I fully expect South Carolina to come into this game with an edge. However, when the lights come on in Death Valley and the Tigers show up at the top of the hill, the talent and depth are going to overtake emotion and win. The talent gap is pretty big between the Gamecocks and Tigers. Clemson’s depth and experience from playing loads of players this season is going to start taking effect. South Carolina keeps it close in the opening quarter, maybe the half. However, once Clemson starts establishing a rhythm stick a fork in the Gamecocks because they are done.
Clemson 48 South Carolina 10
What do you think? Will the Gamecocks cause the Tigers a scare or pull off the upset?
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Photo credit to Rylan Terry via Flickr.
