Gamecocks, Tigers finished 7-7 in first-ranked Palmetto Bowl since 2013

On December 1, 2024By Littum

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – The state’s most exciting rivalry returns Saturday with some of the highest stakes in recent memory; for both teams.

Although the game started strong; a fumble halted the Gamecocks’ opening drive.

Cade Klubnik acted early in the game. The junior quarterback spread the ball around and went for three explosive plays early in the Palmetto Bowl.

While both attacks managed to go down the field, the defense held its own. In the first quarter they ended with a draw 0-0.

At the beginning of the second, Klubnik called his own number. After a series of big passing plays, the junior quarterback ran 20 yards to the end zone, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

Sellers and the Gamecocks responded. On the next drive, Sellers avoided several sacks before running for his own touchdown.

Both defenses were on fire in the first half, making the halftime score 7-7.

NARRATIVE OF THE TAPE

Although the Palmetto Bowl is always considered one of the premier rivalries in college football, this year’s game may be one of the best yet.

South Carolina is ranked No. 16, and Clemson is no. 12 in the latest AP College Football Poll, making this the 7th time both schools have been ranked for the biggest game of the regular season.

This is also the first time since 2013 that both teams are ranked coming into the game.

The Gamecocks are 5-1 in these ranked meetings, including three straight from 2011 to 2013. of those games.

While Clemson is looking for their 20th 10-win season in program history, USC is looking for their first 9-win season since 2017.

DEFENSE/WRITING

Much of the game will be dictated by how the South Carolina defense will be able to contain the weapons of the Tigers.

While the Gamecocks offense features a star duo of Raheim Sanders and LaNorris Sellers, Clemson is led by their own QB/RB duo.

Cade Klubnik and Phil Mafah have set the tone for the Tigers all season. Klubnik has had an impressive season, ranking third in the nation (second in the ACC) in passing touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions.

Mafah is fourth in the ACC with 1,012 rushing yards while adding eight scores on the ground.

South Carolina, while they have an overall balanced defense, will have to rely on their front four to hold the line and bring pressure on one of the best quarterbacks they will face this season.

While the Tigers’ leading receiver Antonio Williams sits at less than 700 yards receiving, the runner-up is tied for first in the ACC with 10 receiving touchdowns. Clemson also spreads the ball around; four players have at least 400 yards on the season. Bryant Wesco Jr., TJ Moore and Jake Briningstool are all names for the Gamecock secondary to keep an eye on.

On Saturday, redshirt Freshman Lanorris Sellers will start for the first time in the Palmetto Bowl.

Sellers has been one of the main catalysts for the Gamecocks’ turnaround over the past five games. The quarterback has thrown 13 touchdowns and two interceptions during the five-game hitting streak.

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS?

Clemson has a chance to get back to the playoffs after missing out on the past three seasons. The Tigers advance to the ACC Championship Game if Miami loses Saturday to Syracuse. If that happens and Clemson beats SMU to win the ACC title, they would earn a spot in the playoffs.

If they beat Carolina and didn’t make the Conference Championship Game, they would need help getting into the playoffs.

While South Carolina’s playoff chances are slim, a win against another ranked opponent would give the Gamecocks a shot at a major bowl game.

If Clemson still manages to win the ACC championship after a loss to Carolina, a playoff spot could be in play for the Gamecocks; even if many more pieces were to fall.

Kickoff for the Palmetto Bowl is set for noon and will air on ESPN.

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