The Clemson Tigers wrap up the regular season with their fierce rivalry clash against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: South Carolina +3 (-115) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
South Carolina vs. Clemson
Saturday, November 30, 2024 – 12:00 PM ET at Memorial Stadium
South Carolina Routed Wofford
LaNorris Sellers delivered a standout performance in South Carolina’s 56-12 demolition of Wofford on Saturday. The redshirt freshman quarterback threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns with just four incompletions, showcasing his growth as a top SEC talent. Sellers completed 23 of 27 passes to nine different receivers and added 53 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, solidifying his dual-threat credentials.
Despite the blowout win, South Carolina’s performance wasn’t without flaws. The Gamecocks dealt with turnovers, penalties, and missed assignments, but they emerged unscathed injury-wise and rested their starters for most of the fourth quarter.
Raheim Sanders contributed 72 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Dalevon Campbell dominated in the passing game with five catches for 120 yards.
Clemson Throttled The Citadel
Clemson extended its unbeaten streak against FCS opponents to 39-0 with a commanding 51-14 win over The Citadel on Saturday. Cade Klubnik was clinical, throwing for 198 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-16 passing before exiting in the third quarter after giving the Tigers a 42-0 lead.
Clemson rediscovered the offensive explosiveness that defined their earlier six-game win streak, which saw them average over 48 points per game. Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a 30-yard touchdown to start the scoring, followed by a 57-yard pick-six from defensive tackle Payton Page—the first by a Clemson defensive lineman in four years.
The Tigers’ defense added another highlight when All-American linebacker Barrett Carter scored on a four-yard touchdown run. Backup running back Jay Haynes shined with 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard sprint, stepping up after Phil Mafah hit the 1,000-yard milestone early in the game.
Keys to the Game
Sellers has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, combining his passing precision with rushing ability. His knack for spreading the ball to multiple targets keeps defenses guessing, but Clemson’s defensive front excels at creating pressure and forcing turnovers.
Page’s pick-six last week exemplifies their ability to capitalize on mistakes. If the Tigers can disrupt Sellers’ timing and contain his scrambling, they could stifle South Carolina’s offensive rhythm.
Sanders has been a reliable contributor, but South Carolina’s rushing attack needs consistency against Clemson’s disciplined front seven. Clemson has shown the ability to limit explosive plays, and if they can bottle up Sanders early, it could force South Carolina into a more one-dimensional attack.
Klubnik’s efficiency has been a major boost for Clemson. His chemistry with Antonio Williams was on full display last week, and he’ll look to exploit South Carolina’s secondary. However, if the Gamecocks can tighten their coverage and force Klubnik into tough situations, they might generate the turnovers needed to swing momentum.
With both teams capable of big defensive plays, turnovers and special teams could determine the outcome. Clemson’s knack for converting turnovers into points could tip the balance in their favor, while South Carolina must avoid the penalties and miscues that plagued them against Wofford.
NCAAF Pick
This game promises to be a closely contested battle, with both offenses possessing the firepower to light up the scoreboard. South Carolina’s success hinges on Sellers’ ability to lead sustained drives, while Clemson’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense could wear down the Gamecocks in the second half.
While Sellers’ mobility could present challenges for Clemson, Klubnik’s efficiency and Clemson’s ability to capitalize on mistakes give them the edge in this rivalry clash.
NCAAF Pick: South Carolina +3 (-115) at Bet365
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