First look: Top story lines, betting odds for Clemson vs. South Carolina football game
Up until 2020, the Carolina-Clemson game was the longest-played rivalry game in the country, spanning over 100 years of matchups. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEC opted to only play conference games, which sidelined the rivalry for a season.
One year later, the game is back on with the Tigers traveling to Columbia to take on the Gamecocks.
CLEMSON VS. SOUTH CAROLINA GAME, TV INFO
Who: Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC) vs. South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC)
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: SEC Network
Line: Clemson by 14
The state of the Tigers
After its offense struggled for much of the season, Clemson is on a four-game winning streak and had a complete game against Wake Forest over the weekend in a 48-27 victory.
The Tigers ended ACC play with a 6-2 conference record and need a few things go their way to clinch the Atlantic Division in the hopes of extending their conference championship streak.
The state of the Gamecocks
In Shane Beamer’s first year as head coach, the Gamecocks have had their own struggles but became bowl-eligible on Saturday. The squad outlasted Auburn 21-17 for its third SEC win of the season.
South Carolina is 5-1 at home in 2021 and will try to end the year on a high note when Clemson comes to town.
Rivalry game facts
▪ Series history and streaks: Clemson leads the series 71-42-4 and has won the last six meetings. In that time span, the Tigers have outscored their in-state rival 256-104. Before that, South Carolina — then coached by Steve Spurrier — had won five straight via a 155-71 scoring edge.
▪ Big Thursday: The rivalry game was played in Columbia only through 1959 and on Thursday of State Fair week.
▪ The Palmetto Bowl: The game was branded “The Palmetto Bowl” in 2014 in a renaming celebrated by both schools, and a trophy now goes to the winning team. “The Palmetto Bowl gives this rivalry an identity that highlights the State of South Carolina and the accomplishments of these outstanding institutions,” South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner said of the new name seven years ago.
THREE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS TO WATCH
ZaQuandre White, RB: Serving as a spark in the run game, ZaQuandre White is averaging 7.1 yards a carry for a Gamecocks squad that’s recorded 127.9 rushing yards an outing.
Jason Brown, QB: In his first start this season, Jason Brown led the Gamecocks to a victory over Florida, then had a drop-off against Missouri. With three games under his belt, the signal caller will get his fourth and final start of the season against Clemson after throwing for 157 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn.
Jaylan Foster, DB: As the Gamecocks’ leading tackler, Jaylan Foster has 85 stops to go along with five interceptions, two forced fumbles and two quarterback sacks on the year. He’ll need another standout performance to give the squad a chance to close out the year with a win.
THREE CLEMSON TIGERS TO WATCH
Beaux Collins, WR: The more playing time Beaux Collins has recorded, the better he’s played. With the Tigers down another receiver in E.J. Williams, Collins had another big game, totaling 137 yards on four catches against Wake Forest.
Etinosa Reuben, DL: Where injuries have plagued the Tigers, the depth on the defensive line has been a saving grace. That includes Etinosa Reuben, who got his second start of the season and tallied two quarterback sacks over the weekend.
Will Shipley, RB: While off to a stellar freshman campaign, Will Shipley will get his first taste of the Clemson-Carolina rivalry after recording 112 rushing yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns in a 48-27 win over Wake Forest on Saturday. The Gamecocks were among Shipley’s many college scholarship offers.
This story was originally published November 21, 2021 at 7:40 AM with the headline "First look: Top story lines, betting odds for Clemson vs. South Carolina football game."
