Let's dive into the Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks odds and make a prediction for Saturday's Battle of the Palmetto State.
Clemson vs South Carolina Odds
| Clemson Tigers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 48 -110o / -110u | -300 |
| South Carolina Gamecocks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 48 -110o / -110u | +240 |
The Clemson Tigers are not the team we expected, but they have improved down the stretch.
However, they're facing another conference foe on a winning streak: the South Carolina Gamecocks.
South Carolina has reeled off three straight victories, and much of that is thanks to former Heisman candidate Spencer Rattler.
Can he lead the Gamecocks to an upset in the season finale? Let's find out.
Clemson Tigers
Clemson's offense looked broken in their first loss of the season, as it was held to just seven points against Duke.
That outing is a distant memory, as the Tigers have racked up over 30 points in three straight.
They appear to have found the perfect balance between run and pass. However, we may see them lean more on Cade Klubnik's arm in this matchup.
The Tigers are not a big-play offense with Klubnik at the helm, but South Carolina's secondary can be torched. The Gamecocks rank 85th in opponent completion percentage, 88th in yards per pass allowed, and 108th in Pro Football Focus's coverage grading.
When Klubnik finds early success through the air, it will open things up for Will Shipley on the ground. Clemson has the edge in the trenches as they outrank South Carolina 47th to 76th nationally in Line Yards.
Everything lines up for another complete offensive performance from the Tigers.
South Carolina Gamecocks
As I alluded to, the South Carolina offense runs through Rattler. He's flourished this season, ranking ninth in the country in completion percentage and 36th in QBR.
However, this Clemson defense will be his toughest matchup since facing Georgia. The Tigers have shut down opposing passers this season, as they rank fifth in opponent completion percentage and third in yards per pass allowed.
Another area of concern for the pass-heavy Gamecocks is the offensive line. It's been bad at protecting Rattler, ranking 122nd in Sack Rate Allowed.
Meanwhile, it faces a Clemson defensive line that can rush the passer very well and ranks 36th nationally in Defensive Sack Rate.
It will be difficult for South Carolina to have success through the air in this matchup if they don't alter their scheme.
Clemson vs South Carolina
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Clemson and South Carolina match up statistically:
Clemson Offense vs. South Carolina Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 39 | 88 | |
| Line Yards | 47 | 76 | |
| Pass Success | 34 | 108 | |
| Havoc | 43 | 121 | |
| Finishing Drives | 82 | 51 | |
| Quality Drives | 93 | 82 | |
South Carolina Offense vs. Clemson Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 120 | 8 | |
| Line Yards | 115 | 39 | |
| Pass Success | 48 | 2 | |
| Havoc | 118 | 8 | |
| Finishing Drives | 51 | 69 | |
| Quality Drives | 99 | 16 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 26 | 28 |
| PFF Coverage | 5 | 108 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 76 | 16 |
| Middle 8 | 46 | 96 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.6 (37) | 26.3 (52) |
| Rush Rate | 52.0% (84) | 47.6% (119) |
Clemson vs South Carolina
Betting Pick & Prediction
The line has bounced back and forth all week between 7 and 7.5. While there has been some resistance at 7.5, there's also support for Clemson at seven.
While taking a touchdown favorite with a hook sounds scary, it's there for a reason. As the superior team on offense and defense, the Tigers have the potential to dominate this matchup
I'm backing Clemson, even at an ugly number.
Pick: Clemson -7.5
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