Saturday's Battle of the Palmetto State is one of the most anticipated in the rivalry's history. A win for either team will keep then in the hunt for a BCS Game. The loser will find it difficult to view the season as a success.
Clemson's Offense vs. South Carolina's Defense
Clemson's success will come down to how well they protect Tajh Boyd. Carolina has one of the best pass rush tandems in the country in JaDevon Clowney and Devin Taylor. If Clemson's Oline cannot contain Clowney and Taylor it will be a long night for the Tigers offense. Clemson will likely use double teams to stop the pass rush and quick passes to prevent the Carolina Dline from being effective. The Tiger receivers are more talented than the USC secondary and should be able to exploit them. In the 3 consecutive losses to the Gamecocks, the Tigers have only managed less than 60 yards per game. If Clemson wants to end the streak, they will need 100 yards rushing. Andre Ellington needs to have a solid game for Clemson to have successful night.
South Carolina's Offense vs. Clemson's Defense
South Carolina will try to establish the run game. A big key to their rushing attack will be how successful Connor Shaw will be. Shaw has a back for making big plays with his feet. Clemson's defensive line will be prepped to slow down the run. Clemson's secondary showed weakness last week against NC State and the Gamecock's will try to exploit them. The Gamecock receivers and tight ends are not great but they are good enough to make plays against the Clemson DBs. Xavier Brewer has played well Lately and will have to continue his good play if the Tigers hope to slow down Shaw and the Gamecock passing attack.
Special Teams
Special teams could be a big factor in the outcome of the game. Both teams have return men capable of making big plays. I'd expect Clemson to kick away from Ace Sanders. Sanders is one of the nation's best return men but also hasn't been good at protecting the football at times.
X-Factors
Their are 2 big keys to the game this weekend. First, who controls the line of scrimmage. This will be very important for the Clemson offense as the Carolina pass rush is very good. Likewise, Vic Beasley, Malliciah Goodman, and Grady Jarrett have been very good of late for the Tigers.
Prediction
There is a lot on the line for Clemson. A win could put then in a BCS Bowl. Carolina had a very good team and matches up well with the Tigers. It looks to he one of the best matchups ever between these 2 rivals. It will be close till the end. Clemson wins 37-27.