NCAA Football Week 13 - #18 Clemson Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks

Saturday, November 28: 12:00 p.m.

NCAA Football Betting Odds: Clemson -3

One of the most underrated rivalries in all of college football takes place every year between South Carolina’s two largest schools, Clemson and the University of South Carolina. Lately, it hasn’t been much of a rivalry however, as Clemson has won six of the last seven.

Here Are Some Trends Which May Impact This Game:

• Clemson: 4-2 ATS in their last 6 road games
• Clemson: 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against South Carolina
• Clemson: 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against South Carolina
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• South Carolina: 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
• South Carolina: 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
• South Carolina: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games

For South Carolina to get the win Saturday, they’ll need to improve on one of college football’s most dreadful run games. The Gamecocks, who have lost three games in a row, have not rushed for over 100 yards as a team since an October 24 game with Vanderbilt. This of course has put more pressure on quarterback Stephen Garcia, and he has struggled. On the year, he’s thrown for 2600 yards, but in the current Gamecocks three game losing streak has thrown just three touchdowns to four interceptions.

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Defensively, South Carolina is one of the more underrated units in college football. They currently ranked 16th in total defense, allowing just 308 yards per game, and their pass defense is ranked seventh in college football. They are led by a big and physical front seven, led by linebacker Eric Norwood, an All-SEC candidate.

As for Clemson, they have had a remarkable turnaround under first year coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers are currently 8-3 and headed to their first ACC Championship game. And it is in large part, because of the all-around play of C.J. Spiller.

Spiller may be one of the most electrifying all purpose players in college football over the last decade. The senior from Florida has rushed for 894 yards and seven touchdowns, caught 29 passes for touchdowns, thrown a touchdown pass, and is also a dangerous return man. To say Clemson’s offense runs through him is an understatement, at many times he is their offense.

On the other side of the ball, Clemson has really made great strides under the defensive mind of Swinney. They rank 12th in college football in total yards allowing just 127 per game on the year, and have given up more than 24 points just once in their last nine games. They also have college football’s 12th ranked pass defense.

With Clemson having owned this series recently, there’s no reason to believe that they won’t continue to do so Saturday. They are simply one of the hottest teams in college football right now, having not lost since October 3. And with their recent domination of South Carolina, and the Gamecocks struggling as mightily as they have, there’s no reason to expect things to change Saturday.

Aaron’s Pick: Clemson -3