COLUMBIA, S.C. — For some reason Sammy Brown watched most of the fourth quarter from the sideline in South Carolina’s three-point victory over Clemson at Memorial Stadium in 2024.

As a result, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers ran all over the Tigers in leading the Gamecocks to a come-from-behind victory.

It is probably safe to say Brown will be on the field this year during crunch time. The Clemson linebacker had nine tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss before former defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin took him off the field for all but four plays in the fourth quarter.

Brown would not blame what happened last year on his old coach, but plenty of others have since then and many feel with Brown on the field the whole time in this year’s matchup, the Tigers will be better prepared to stop Sellers.

Clemson (6-5) at South Carolina (4-7)

• Kickoff: Saturday, noon
• Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.
• TV: SECN
• Spread: South Carolina is favored by 2.5 points
• Total: 46.5
• Series: Clemson leads the series 73-44-4

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Bragging rights. Clemson is looking to salvage what has been a disappointing season to this point with a win over the Gamecocks. Carolina, who will not be eligible for a bowl game, is looking to beat the Tigers for a second straight year and for the third time in the last five years and finish what has also been a disappointing season on a high note.

KEY MATCHUP

South Carolina’s offensive line is not very good. The Gamecocks are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. They have given up 38 sacks and 82 tackles for loss. Clemson’s defense has improved under defensive coordinator Tom Allen, especially its rushing defense. The Tigers are allowing 108.5 rushing yards per game and 3.65 per rush. Clemson has produced 28 sacks on defense and has 73 tackles for loss. However, there is concern considering defensive end Jahiem Lawson, who is second on the team in tackles for loss and sacks, will miss the rest of the season with ankle injury.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams is from the Columbia area. He has never been a part of a Clemson team that defeated the Gamecocks. He lost both home games to Carolina in 2022 and 2024, and in 2023—when the game was played in Columbia—he missed it due to an injury. Williams leads the Tigers with 48 receptions. He also has 538 receiving yards and 4 TDs despite missing two games earlier this year. Williams can throw the ball, as well. He is 4-for-4 passing in his career—all TDs—while this season he has 75-yard TD pass to wide receiver T.J. Moore. He also returns punts and runs the football.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback LaNorris Sellers had his best games of the season at Missouri, when completing 18-of-28 passes for a season-high 302 yards and 2 TDs with no turnovers, and against Coastal Carolina when he completed 16-of-20 passes for 274 yards and 2 TDs. He also carried eight times for a season-high 82 yards and two scores against the Chants. He has thrown for 300 or more yards three times in his career including twice against Mizzou. Sellers is tied for eighth in school history with Ryan Hilinski, Connor Shaw and Tommy Suggs with three career 300-yard passing games. Last year, Sellers ran for 166 yards and 2 TDs against the Tigers, including the game winner with 1:09 to play.

THIS AND THAT

Since 1981, Clemson is 9-2 against the Gamecocks in Columbia when the game kicks off at noon or 1 p.m.  

FINAL ANALYSIS

Overall, Clemson is the more talented team in this game and has the better roster. However, as the Tigers have shown all year, that does not always equal a victory. If Clemson comes out and does not lose to Clemson, it will win the game and potentially could win it by double digits. However, if the Tigers shoot themselves in the foot—like they have done most of the year—with drops, penalties, turnovers and unexplainable things, then life is going to be tough. Carolina is not much better at those things, which is why I think this game will be close in the end.

Prediction

Clemson 24, South Carolina 23