Clemson Opponent’s Preview
CLEMSON – One of the most heated and intense rivalries in college football continues on Nov. 29, with the 122nd addition of the Clemson-South Carolina Game, which will be held at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
The Tigers lead series with a record of 73-44-4, but South Carolina took them down at Death Valley last year, 17-14. Though Clemson has won 8 of the last 10 meetings, the Gamecocks’ two wins have come in the last three seasons.
However, Clemson has a chance to flip the script this season, but it will have to find a way to beat a talented Gamecock team at home. The Tigers have won the last four meetings in Columbia and are 17-6 there since 1977.
OFFENSE
USC’s talent is emphasized greatly by its young sophomore quarterback, LaNorris Sellers. While not being the big stat leader in the SEC, his breakout of 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns with 674 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground certainly grabbed the attention of the nation. This year, he is expected to be even better, especially if he limits his turnovers.
In the running game, Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison replaces the previous star, Raheim Sanders, while being joined by returning rusher Oscar Adaway III. However, Faison is still waiting to be cleared to play by the NCAA clearinghouse.
The offensive line looks a bit different, with Nick Sharpe (Wake Forest) and Boaz Stanley (Troy) being added from the transfer portal to potentially start at left guard and center, respectively. Two returning players in Josiah Thompson and Cason Henry are expected to take control of the tackles, and junior Trovon Baugh at right guard.
Junior receiver Nyck Harbor is a big-play threat. Last year’s top pass catcher, tight end Josh Simon, left. Jared Brown, Mazeo Bennett, and Vandrevius Jacobs return to bring strength to the corps, and the addition of freshman Donovan Murph and Brian Rowe Jr. will provide depth. At tight end, sophomore Michael Smith and Kentucky transfer Jordan Dingle will take control.
DEFENSE
The Gamecocks’ defense was fourth in the SEC in total defense last year and one of the best in the country. Despite the loss of talented players like Kyle Kennard and Nick Emmanwori, they are full of potential.
Sophomore defensive end Dylan Stewart, who had 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season, will help lead the pass rush alongside Bryan Thomas Jr., Nick Barrett and Monkell Goodwine at defensive tackle.
Alabama transfer Justin Okoronkwo and Florida State transfer Shawn Murphy join the linebacker room alongside returning sophomore Fred Johnson. In the secondary, cornerback Judge Collier and nickelback Jalon Kilgore will take the lead alongside transfers Brandon Cisse (NC State) and Myles Norwood (Ball State). At safety, junior Peyton Williams and senior DQ Smith return from last year for another round with the Gamecocks.
SPECIAL TEAMS
True freshman Max Kelley and redshirt freshman Mason Love are in competition for the starting role at kicker, with Love potentially as the starting punter as well.
OVERVIEW
The Gamecocks lost their first three ranked matchups last season before wrapping up with six straight wins, including a victory in Clemson, and a close loss in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Illinois. This year, despite their talented roster, they may have it even harder.
After starting the year against Virginia Tech and South Carolina State, South Carolina kicks off SEC play against Vanderbilt and Kentucky at home. Then it is off to Missouri, to play the Tigers.
The Gamecocks real challenge begins after they host Kentucky, where they face five straight teams that are ranked in the Preseason Top 25 Poll – No. 9 LSU, No. 18 Oklahoma, No. 8 Alabama, No. 21 Ole Miss and No. 19 Texas A&M. After hosting Coastal Carolina after the week before, they finish off against No. 4 Clemson.
The key to a successful season for the-Shane-Beamer-led-Gamecocks is to start off the season strong and continue to keep momentum through the trenches of October and November. Despite all of the SEC teams that are scheduled to be a challenge for South Carolina, Clemson is expected to be the Gamecocks’ toughest, especially at home.