South Carolina at No. 21 Clemson (-4.5) 12 pm Saturday ESPN
Daniel: Clemson hasn’t been impressive the past couple weeks, dropping a 28-6 game to Georgia Tech and limping its way past Georgia State in an unimpressive 28-0 win over Georgia State. Speaking of unimpressive, the Gamecocks are wrapping up what’s been a frustrating year for a team that many picked to win the SEC East. But a win over Clemson, a bowl appearance and an eight-win season would salvage some of it. This one could come down to if Deshaun Watson can play at quarterback for Clemson. If he does, I like the Tigers chances, if not, definitely a toss-up. This will be yet another close rivalry matchup, but I’ll go with the home-standing Tigers. Winner: Clemson 28- 21
Houston: If there is one thing I know about this rivalry, it’s to never bet against the Head Ball Coach when Dabo Swinney is standing across the field. Spurrier and the Gamecocks have won the last five meetings between these two schools, and no game has been closer than 10-points. Clemson has a solid squad, but Spurrier has the weapons to put up as many points as he’ll need in this game to get out with a win. I’m taking the Gamecocks in a shootout with Pharoh Cooper and Dylan Thompson each having huge games. Winner: Spurrier 38-34
Reed: Steve Spurrier has dominated this series. The Gamecocks have won five-straight against Clemson and another victory would help ease the blow of a disappointing season. Clemson has been a complete disaster without Deshaun Watson at quarterback but he could return this weekend. Even if he does, he won’t be 100%. If he misses even a few series, that could spell doom for the Tigers. Winner: Gamecocks 27-20
Wes: There are only two times when Steve Spurrier chooses to stay quiet: Before an especially promising season and during an especially disappointing one. The Old Ball Coach’s post-Tennessee mic-drop is indicative of the kind of frustration he’s endured all year. Clemson can relate: The Tigers’ 28-6 defeat at Georgia Tech ended any chance of staying in the national picture, and injuries at quarterback have crippled their normally potent offense. Carolina’s porous defense is a welcome sight for Clemson’s injury-riddled attack. This game won’t be the most aesthetically pleasing contest in the history of the rivalry, but Carolina has just enough offense to capitalize on the Tigers’ shortcomings. Winner: South Carolina 20-17
