Final predictions for No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 15 South Carolina in a game that could have big playoff implications
Rivalry week around the college football landscape is one of the best weeks in sports and it is here. For the matchup between Clemson and South Carolina, the stakes have not been higher in quite some time. There has been one other time in the last decade that the Gamecocks have come into this game […]
Rivalry week around the college football landscape is one of the best weeks in sports and it is here.
For the matchup between Clemson and South Carolina, the stakes have not been higher in quite some time. There has been one other time in the last decade that the Gamecocks have come into this game being ranked. South Carolina has much more to play for than just trying to spoil Clemson’s season this year.
Clemson and South Carolina both still have playoff hopes alive and well. A loss for either team could take them out of contention to reach the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. A win would keep hopes alive.
Clemson 31, South Carolina 27
The Gamecocks have been fun to watch this season. All three of their losses came against ranked teams and Clemson has the worst loss between the two against Louisville. Still, I have the Tigers continuing to dominate this rivalry. It will be a close game, but in the end, I see Dabo Swinney’s team scoring late to take the win. South Carolina has just one win in the last decade over Clemson (2022) and it stays that way. – Brandon Little
Clemson 22, South Carolina 19
The stakes have rarely been higher for the Palmetto Bowl, with both teams still in play for the college football playoff, particularly with Clemson, who still has a chance to win the ACC. Both teams are coming in with momentum, with South Carolina on a 5-game winning streak and Clemson winning its third straight last weekend. I expect this to be a tough, physical, low scoring game, particularly with how well both teams have been playing on the defensive side of the ball (with a couple of somewhat recent lapses against Louisville and Missouri). However, I think Phil Mafah is going to put aside a terrible game against Pittsburgh and revert to the version that's eclipsed 1000 yards. A slowed down, grinder of a game that the Tigers just manage to win at home. – Craig Smith
Clemson 24, South Carolina 17
This rivalry matchup is more special considering both teams are ranked for the first time in over a decade. That means No. 17 Clemson and No. 18 South Carolina are not only playing for respect from the Palmetto State this week but also for a playoff berth. Clemson has a bit of an edge here considering they're looking healthier than South Carolina and their home field Death Valley will be rocking. That being said, however, the Gamecocks are coming to town with a lock down pass rush and with a freshman quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, who isn't afraid to slang that thang downfield, or use his legs to make big plays. But he is still young, which means that he is more prone to making mistakes. Clemson can win this one and keep their playoff hopes alive if they want to. – Kelsey Kramer
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