Clemson Football: South Carolina Preview

Clemson (7-4) takes on South Carolina (5-6) this Saturday in Columbia. (7:30 p.m. ET SECN)

The Palmetto Bowl might not carry the weight it has in recent years but it'll still be a war between two schools that carry no love for each other. With Clemson ranked 24th, they're looking to cap off a strong run to end the season. On the other hand, the Gamecocks come into this game with a 5-6 record and are looking to salvage some kind of momentum to end the year. A win over Clemson would certainly provide that.

In the last matchup, Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. went out for 9 receptions, 131 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns in Death Valley that helped the Gamecocks upset the Tigers for their first win over Clemson since 2013. In this matchup, they have stud wide receiver Xavier Leggette who has 65 receptions, 1,187 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. This will be another matchup that Nate Wiggins can certainly use for some NFL tape.

Cade Klubnik's will need to be steady for Clemson at South Carolina / Clemson Athletics

South Carolina ranks dead last in rushing offense in the SEC and the offensive line has already allowed 38 sacks. Expect defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin to implement a game plan to make Spencer Rattler's likely final game at Williams-Brice Stadium an uncomfortable affair. The improved play in the secondary, mainly by the young guys, will make it tough for the Gamecocks to find many favorable matchups.

South Carolina's defense has not been the best this year it ranks 96th in total defense and has been depleted from injuries and inconsistent play from all three levels. The one thing that stands out is that they rank first in the SEC in pass deflections with 52. Klubnik's decision-making through the air needs to be very precise with a team like this, one tipped pass could lead to an interception, and last year’s game was turnover-filled.

Will Shipley and Phil Mafah have been the focal point during this three-game win streak. The offense goes however they go. One thing that has been an issue is fumbles with Mafah at four and Shipley at three, this duo needs to take care of the ball. When 

Momentum will be huge with this game being a night game in Columbia. Expect Sandstorm to be loud and proud. Communication and discipline will need to be on full display within the Tiger team this Saturday. Silencing the crowd noise early will be huge for the Tigers to get a win to finish off the regular season.