The Battle of the Palmetto State
Culture vs. Agriculture Bowl
Clemson University
Location: Pickens County, South Carolina
Students: 15,459 Undergrad, 3,994 Post-Grad
2011 Record: 9-2 overall (6-2 ACC)
Overall record vs. USC: Clemson leads, 65-39-4
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (28-17 Overall record in 4 years as HC)
Famous Alumni: Richard Davis (Flip this house), Bill Brooks (founder of Naturally Fresh Dressings) Michael Dean Perry (NFL) and Jonathan Byrd (PGA Golfer)
Lets talk football:
Williams-Brice should be rocking by the 7:45 kickoff time on Saturday night. Both schools are looking to get to the 10 wins plateau and the fans should be pretty liquored up for this in-state rivalry. Clemson has already won the ACC Atlantic division and have secured their spot in Charlotte next week. South Carolina is just playing for a thrid straight win against the Taters.
Tiger Offense: Clemson’s offense is good and has the talent to give USC’s defense a lot of trouble. First year offensive cordinator Chad Morris has brought new life to Clemson’s offense and should get most of the credit for Clemson’s success. Not Dabo’s grey sweatshirts.
The Tigers are led by freshman star Sammy Watkins, who has 68 rec for 1034 yds and 10 tds this season. USC need to keep Watkins covered on offense and on special teams. I have a feeling Spurrier will do something similar to Clemson as he did in the Florida game – kicking it short and taking the speed out of special teams.
Clemson’s Qb is Taj Boyd, and he has had a great season so far, passing for 3255 yards and 27 touchdowns. Boyd has been sharp but he is prone to turn the ball over if there is pressure. Look for the Gamecocks to blitz and get pressure on Boyd a lot.
Nationally, the Tigers offense is ranked 17th in total yards, averaging 465 yards per game. They are also ranked 14th nationally in passing offense, averaging 323.1 yards per game.
We don’t need to play Defense: Clemson’s defense hasn’t been in the spot light much this season but they have played well at times during the season. The Tiger’s defense is currently ranked 1st in the ACC in scoring defense, only allowing 18.8 points per game. They are also ranked 2nd in the ACC in total defense giving up 320 yards per game.
The Tigers Defense is led by defensive end Andre Branch and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson. Both have over 60 tackles on the season, and Branch has 8.5 sacks on the season. The Tigers will look to slow down the running game of the Gamecocks by stacking the box with safety Rashard Hall, who has 63 tackles on the season.
Prediction Time: Home cooking is always good this time of season and I think the home field advantage will play a big part in Saturday’s game. USC will look to keep Clemson’s offense off the field and give Brandon Wilds a chance to show his in-state rival just how good he is. Shaw will have to throw the ball at some point, but look for him to do most of his damage on the ground. If Clemson does stack the box, look for Shaw to take a few shots down field.
LOHD says…..Clemson 21 USC 24
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