Saw this today from Scout.com and I am posting it below for your reading pleasure…
South Carolina (7-4) at Clemson (6-5), 12:00 EST, ESPN2
Why to watch: All things considered, Clemson has done a commendable job of getting above .500 after a horrible start, winning three of its last four ACC games. The Tigers still need to win this week’s game to become bowl eligible since two of its victories have come against FCS opponents. Beating hated rival South Carolina would salvage something from this disappointing season, while improving Dabo Swinney’s chances of removing the interim tag from his title. South Carolina gets back to action two weeks after being dressed down by Florida, 56-6. Besides the obvious desire to reverse Clemson’s recent dominance in this series, the Gamecocks are hoping to improve their chances of getting an invitation to the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Why South Carolina might win: Since Clemson won’t be confused with Florida anytime soon, the Gamecocks will get back to being one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Despite allowing 56 points two weeks ago, they’re still 11th nationally in total defense and allow just 19 points a game. The Tigers never found their groove on offense this season, putting up just 17 points a game versus teams from the FBS. They’ll have all kinds of problems with a swarming unit led by DE Eric Norwood, S Emmanuel Cook, and CB Captain Munnerlyn.
Why Clemson might win: In many ways, these two schools mirror one another. Like their rivals to the west, South Carolina has also been inconsistent on offense, ranking at the bottom of the SEC in rushing. It’ll take more than a one-dimensional attack to move the ball on a Tiger defense that’s yielded just 10 points in the last two games and is giving up less than 300 yards a game. Clemson is fifth in the country in pass defense, which will put added pressure on that futile Gamecock ground game. The Tigers haven’t allowed more than one touchdown pass in a game since Week 2, a streak neither Chris Smelley nor Stephen Garcia appear capable of snapping.
Who to watch: With almost no help from the pass rush, the Clemson pass defense has been outstanding, picking off six passes in the last three games. One of the stars of secondary has been S Michael Hamlin, who has the dual-abilities as a run defender and cover guy that’ll translate well to the NFL in 2009. The senior not only leads the Tigers in solo tackles, but also has a team-high five interceptions.
What will happen: Anything other than a physical, close, low-scoring game will be a surprise. The two schools are fairly evenly matched, with South Carolina rating an edge on defense and Clemson having slightly more pop on offense. The difference will come from the Tiger playmakers. The ‘Cocks don’t have a back that can compare to James Davis or C.J. Spiller, who’ll help soften the South Carolina defense in a Clemson victory.
CFN Prediction: Clemson 23 … South Carolina 17 …
Line: Clemson -1
Must See Rating: (5 Football while eating Thanksgiving food – 1 Home movies after dinner) … 3
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