The Clemson football team will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday afternoon. Here’s a look at our staff predictions for the matchup.
The No. 3-ranked Clemson Tigers enter Saturday’s contest holding a 26-game winning streak overall and a five-game winning streak over in-state rival South Carolina.
The Tigers are considered 27-point favorites coming into the matchup, courtesy of the Action Network.
Though Clemson has more talent and depth, anything can happen in a rivalry game. South Carolina will come out fired up and looking to be the ultimate spoiler to the Tigers’ CFB Playoff hopes.
Here’s a look at what our Rubbing the Rock staff believes will happen Saturday afternoon in Williams-Brice Stadium.
Shawn Spencer
Score: Clemson 63, South Carolina 10
Reason: The Tigers have had to hear all year about how ‘South Carolina kept it close last season’ even though it was a 21-point beatdown. Dabo Swinney remembers trash flying two years ago in Williams-Brice. He’s going to use all of that as motivation and the Gamecocks just don’t stand a chance, in my opinion.
Cole Little
Score: Clemson 45, South Carolina 17
Reason: The Tigers will extend their winning streak over South Carolina to six games on Saturday. In what could be Will Muschamp’s final game in charge of the Gamecocks, expect Dabo Swinney’s program to win handily at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Barry Shuck
Score: Clemson 35, South Carolina 24
Reason: The Tigers have too much talent and are poised to continue that impressive win-streak over the Gamecocks.
Nick Young
Score: Clemson 42, South Carolina 21
Reason: With every rivalry game, all chips are in. Thus, South Carolina will come out swinging. That’s why I believe the defense won’t hold them under 21 like most of their opponents, but as the clock winds down, the Tigers will once again win the Palmetto Bowl.
Tyreese Ingram
Score: Clemson 45, South Carolina 10
Reason: The Tigers will keep pressure on Ryan Hilinski and limit the pass opportunities after giving up 512 yards to the Gamecocks last season. Look for RB Travis Etienne to have a big day and loosen up the Gamecock defense for Trevor Lawrence to connect with receivers for big plays.
Make sure you check back here on Rubbing the Rock for coverage of everything Tigers heading into the South Carolina matchup and much more.