Clemson @ South Carolina preview

Clemson at South Carolina

Last Meeting ( Nov 24, 2018 ) South Carolina 35, Clemson 56

Clemson has won 26 straight overall and 22 in a row at home, but there’s only one streak that matters to their opponent this week. The No. 3 Tigers will try for a sixth consecutive win over rival South Carolina, which hopes to use its home-field advantage to knock off Clemson for the first time since 2013.

While the Gamecocks have nothing on the line as they close out a disappointing season, the Tigers have everything to lose. Clemson is ranked third in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings, so a loss to the Gamecocks certainly would derail their playoff hopes - and a less-than-convincing win could also damage their chances of making the final four. South Carolina has won 31 of its last 35 non-conference home games, but two of those four losses have come to the Tigers. In fact, Clemson’s nine wins against SEC teams since 2016 are more than three current SEC members over that span - Ole Miss and Vanderbilt have eight, and Arkansas has four.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN. LINE: Clemson -27

ABOUT CLEMSON (11-0): The Tigers are the total package as they rank third in the nation in total offense and second in total defense. The offense had some early hiccups, including some untimely Trevor Lawrence interceptions, but has rounded into form and put up huge numbers in their past six games with running back Travis Etienne (1,335 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns) leading the way. Clemson’s defense has never let up, racking up 94 tackles for loss and 34 sacks with Isaiah Simmons (12 tackles for loss, six sacks) leading the charge.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (4-7): The Gamecocks looked as if they might salvage their season when they shocked No. 4 Georgia on the road, but they’ve lost four of their last five. The offense has stagnated in consecutive losses, following up a punchless performance in a 20-15 setback to Appalachian State with a 30-6 clunker at Texas A&M last week. South Carolina’s defense was dominant in a win over Vanderbilt and the loss to Appalachian State, allowing 189 and 202 total yards in those contests, but was gashed for a season-high 540 yards against the Aggies last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson has won an ACC-record six straight games by 30 points or more, one shy of matching the longest streak since 1936.

2. Etienne’s 8.73 yards per carry lead the nation by a wide margin Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden Jr. is second at 7.37.

3. South Carolina RB Tavien Feaster (groin) has missed the past two games, but the Gamecocks’ leading rusher is expected to return to the lineup against his former team.

PREDICTION: Clemson 42, South Carolina 10