Rivalry weekend is here.
In-state rivals Clemson and South Carolina football will meet for the 122nd time on Saturday afternoon in Columbia. Neither team is having a great season, but there’s still plenty on the line. Here’s your gameday guide.
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Clemson vs. South Carolina game, TV info
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Who: Clemson (6-5) at South Carolina (4-7)
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Broadcast crew: Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Alyssa Lang
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Satellite radio: Sirius XM Channel 106 or 193
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Series history: Clemson leads 73-44-4; USC won last meeting
Clemson vs. South Carolina Vegas odds
South Carolina is favored by three points against Clemson, per the VegasInsider.com consensus betting line. It’s the first since 2013 (12 years ago) that the Gamecocks will close as a betting favorite against the Tigers.
Bettors like South Carolina to cover that spread, with 79% of gamblers picking USC to cover (win by three or more points). Another metric, ESPN’s Football Power Index, gives South Carolina a 63.5% chance to beat Clemson.
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Weather forecast for Columbia, SC
Partly cloudy skies and a low of 50 degrees. There is no rain in the forecast.
Top storylines for the game
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Clemson and South Carolina are both required to provide weekly player availability/injury reports for conference games, but there’s no requirement for conference games. On the Clemson injury side, redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Stephiylan Green is expected to be available to play. Freshman quarterback Chris Denson – who ran for 106 yards in the second half against Furman last week and could have a special package against USC – was hurt in practice this week and his status for the game is TBD. On the South Carolina side, two notable players who missed last game will be ready to go: DE Dylan Stewart and WR Nyck Harbor.
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From 2014 to 2021, Clemson and Dabo Swinney won seven straight games against South Carolina. That tied the 1934-40 Tigers for the longest winning streak in the series by either team. Recently, though, South Carolina and Shane Beamer have turned the tide. Beamer has scored two huge road wins against ranked Clemson teams in 2022 and 2024, and his Gamecocks have won two of three against Clemson with a chance to make it three of four. A win on Saturday would boost Beamer to 3-2 against Clemson and make him the first USC coach since Steve Spurrier to win back-to-back games against Clemson. It would also end the Gamecocks’ season on a high note, as they’ll miss a bowl regardless of result.
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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is currently 9-7 against South Carolina and is trying to become only the second coach in program history to beat South Carolina 10 times (Frank Howard, 13). Swinney and Clemson are also trying to win a sixth straight road game against USC at Williams-Brice Stadium. After losing to Spurrier and the Gamecocks in Columbia in 2013, Clemson has picked up road wins against USC in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. A Clemson win would also give the road team in the Clemson-USC series a sixth straight victory. The home team hasn’t won the Palmetto Bowl since Clemson won at home in 2018.
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There are a few interesting unit matchups to watch Saturday. South Carolina’s defense has forced 21 turnovers this season, which is No. 1 in the SEC and No. 11 nationally. Clemson’s offense is No. 68 nationally with 14 turnovers lost (eight fumbles, six interceptions). Clayton White’s Gamecocks lost some talent from last year’s roster but have been opportunistic – and very good in their last two games against Clemson and quarterback Cade Klubnik (11.5 offensive PPG allowed). On the flipside, South Carolina’s offensive line has allowed 38.0 sacks (No. 131 nationally) and 331 sack yards (No. 135). Clemson couldn’t get Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers on the ground last year. Could an improved Tigers pass rush (No. 26 in total sacks and sacks per game) capitalize on those O-line struggles?
Clemson vs. South Carolina players to watch
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik: Klubnik, a senior, is 1-1 in two starts against South Carolina and hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass. Saturday’s result in his final regular-season start will be a big part of his Clemson legacy.
Clemson LB Sammy Brown: The sophomore was about the only Clemson defender who had success tackling Sellers last year and will be utilized heavily as a quarterback spy. He has a sack in three straight games.
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South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers: Sellers ran wild on Clemson last year and has to be licking his chops at a chance to do that again. But can he make plays as a passer, too? If he can, he might be 2-0 against the Tigers.
South Carolina DE Dylan Stewart: He was quiet against Clemson in 2024 (one tackle, one pass deflection). Can USC’s star pass rusher have his signature rivalry game moment? Stewart only has one sack in his last five games.
