National predictions ahead of the rivalry game between South Carolina and Clemson

It’s rivalry week. For South Carolina football fans, that means it’s Clemson Hate Week. For Clemson fans, the reverse is true. The Palmetto Bowl always holds tremendous value in the state. But this year the stakes are higher.

Both the Gamecocks and Tigers are clinging to major College Football Playoff hopes. Clemson could get in via the ACC Championship, but that would require Miami losing to Syracuse. As far as either team can control on Saturday, a win is paramount.

The two rivals sit in the top 15 of the College Football Playoff rankings (USC is 15th, CU is 12th) and are each firmly on the CFP “bubble.” A loss emerges that bubbles and eliminates either from overall consideration.

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National predictions for the game are somewhat mixed, but South Carolina is the trending pick.

Official betting lines have settled around the -3s in favor of the home Clemson Tigers. With home teams typically given a 3-point benefit of the doubt, this game is, by all accounts, a pick.

ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) analytics prediction gives South Carolina a 43.2% chance to win. However, Outlet’s SP+ model has the Gamecocks covering the spread in a tight 27-26 loss.

The College Gameday Podcast the duo of Rece Davis and Pete Thamel split at the Palmetto Bowl. Davis chose the Gamecocks. However, Thamel went with the Tigers in a close game. Neither Davis nor Thamel felt much conviction in their choice.

Nationals analyst Josh Pate thinks this weekend’s matchup will be a great game. In the end, however, he expects a win for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

On3’s JD PicKell also picked USC, adding that the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will have a lot on its mind regarding the Gamecocks.

College Football News’ Pete Fiutak predicts a 26-24 Carolina win. College Football Network’s Will Helms picks a similar 27-26 win for the ‘cocks.

FoxSports’ AI pick is for the Gamecocks. According to the AI ​​predictor, South Carolina will win 28-26.

The local media also favors the Gamecocks. Lulu Kesin from Greenville news predicts a 30-27 win for Shane Beamer’s team. She gets company in that election The state‘s Jordan Kaye; However, Kaye has Carolina winning 38-30.

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A win Saturday for South Carolina will make the College Football Playoff Ranking update on Dec. 3 and the subsequent College Football Playoff Selection Show (Dec. 8) extremely interesting.

The Gamecocks and Tigers will take the field in Memorial Stadium at noon. ESPN will broadcast the game and the ESPN app will also make it available for streaming.