South Carolina @ Clemson preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 26, 2011 ) Clemson 13, South Carolina 34

No. 12 South Carolina brings one of the top defenses in the nation to No. 9 Clemson on Saturday night, hoping to slow down a Tigers’ offense that put up epic numbers last week. Quarterback Tajh Boyd passed for five touchdowns, rushed for three more and engineered an offense that amassed 754 yards and 62 points. Boyd set a school record with 531 combined yards (426 passing, 105 rushing). The Gamecocks allow just 17.5 points (13th nationally), but surrendered 35 to Tennessee two weeks ago and 20 against Arkansas before last week’s 24-7 sluggish victory over Wofford. The Tigers have won seven in a row since losing to Florida State on Sept. 22, a loss that will keep Clemson from the ACC Championship Game.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Clemson, -3.5

ABOUT NO. 12 SOUTH CAROLINA (9-2): Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney missed the Wofford game with a right foot injury but is expected to play Saturday. Clowney ranks seventh nationally in tackles for loss and 18th in sacks. Boyd will command much of the attention, but South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw ranks 16th in the nation in passing efficiency. Shaw has passed for 15 touchdowns this season and is 16-3 as a starter, but was slowed by a left foot sprain last week.

ABOUT NO. 9 CLEMSON (10-1): The Tigers rank fourth in the nation in scoring (44.6), and are averaging 47.9 points during their winning streak. Boyd is tied for the school's single-season record with 33 passing touchdowns and ranks second in the nation behind Georgia’s Aaron Murray in passing efficiency (172.73). Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught three touchdown passes last week, setting a school record with 24 career touchdown receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Clemson leads the series 65-40-4. The Gamecocks have won the past three meetings.

2. South Carolina running back Kenny Miles gave the Gamecocks a boost with 27 carries for 121 yards last week. Miles has become the Gamecocks’ primary running back after Marcus Lattimore was lost for the season with a knee injury against Tennessee.

3. Clemson has won 13 consecutive games at home, the third-longest home win streak in the nation.

PREDICTION: Clemson 37, South Carolina 31