Clemson football opens the week as 16 point favorites over in-state rival, South Carolina. The Gamecocks (8-3) are fighting for a 10 win season in Will Muschamp’s second year under the helm in Columbia.
Despite all of the flak that Will Muschamp takes, he has done an impressive job at South Carolina. Just one year removed from inheriting one of the least-talented rosters in the SEC, Muschamp has the Gamecocks teetering on double-digit wins.
While South Carolina is improved, they still have a ways to go to compete with Clemson. The Tigers are in the midst of one of the golden eras of this football program. Dabo Swinney has turned Clemson into Alabama 2.0, competing for National Championships an a yearly basis.
Oddsmakers clearly see that the Gamecocks aren’t on a level to compete with Clemson just yet. The Tigers enter this contest as 16-point favorites, according to Sportsbookreview.com.
Thoughts
With Clemson’s depth in the trenches, it will be difficult for South Carolina to keep up for four quarters. The Gamecocks rank 85th in sacks allowed, giving up 25 through this point in the season. If Jake Bentley doesn’t have time to throw the football, South Carolina’s offense will struggle to put up points.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks must find a way to slow Clemson’s rushing attack. Luckily, Muschamp’s defense has held up well against the run this season, allowing just 143.27 yards per game. This battle of strengths will play a pivotal role in the outcome of this contest. Aside from last week’s outing with the Citadel, Clemson’s offense has struggled to throw the ball as of late.
Next: Gamecock Killers - Charlie Whitehurst
If Kelly Bryant and the Tigers’ receivers are clicking, it will be nearly impossible for South Carolina to keep up. I don’t foresee Jake Bentley and this Gamecocks offense scoring more than 24 points on Clemson’s elite defense.