By: Rixon Lane, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Media, Lander University. Rixon graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2014 and covered the Gamecocks for multiple media outlets from 2011-16.
Hey there, I’m Rixon Lane (proud Gamecock alum), and I’m here to talk about a game that the all-Gamecock COLAtoday team takes very seriously: The Palmetto Bowl.
Every November, these three words cause life in S.C. to come to an abrupt halt. Three hours of bad feelings – played out across a 100-yard patch of grass in Columbia or Clemson – are followed by 364 days of sunshine for one fan base and perpetual storm clouds for another.
The warm glow of rivalry success has not shone on the Gamecocks in four years. Just as South Carolina’s five-year winning streak over Clemson coincided with the greatest stretch in Gamecock Football program history, the Tigers have embarked on their best run as a program, earning five consecutive wins over the Gamecocks in the process.
As a season that began with high hopes for both programs draws to an end, the Gamecocks and Tigers prepare to square off for the 116th time – ready for a game that could define or derail a season.
Gamecock Football at Clemson | Saturday, Nov. 24 | Memorial Stadium | 7 p.m. | $110-120
📉2018 Season Stat Breakdown:
Points per game: 🐓(UofSC) 32.8 // 🐅(Clemson) 44.7
Points allowed: 🐓26.7 // 🐅12.1
Total offense: 🐓429.8 // 🐅 520.5
Yards allowed: 🐓409.9 // 🐅 254.4
Passing yards: 🐓262.0 // 🐅 272.7
Rushing yards: 🐓167.8 // 🐅 247.7
3rd-down %: 🐓42.7 // 🐅 43.1
4th-down %: 🐓47.1 // 🐅 50.0
Passing allowed: 🐓219.8 // 🐅170.1
Rushing allowed: 🐓190.1 // 🐅 84.3
Penalties: 🐓 64 for 558 yards // 🐅 52 for 477 yards
🏈 Position Breakdown:
Quarterback | Edge: Clemson | After a slow start to the season (and near uprising from some fans following Michael Scarnecchia’s performance against Missouri), Jake Bentley has played some of his best football recently.
Meanwhile, Clemson’s decision to hand the reins to Trevor Lawrence has worked out well – the freshman is among the nation’s top signal-callers.
While neither is particularly mobile, Bentley has shown an ability to make plays with his legs if the need arises. Lawrence is the superior talent, but has not faced many pressure-packed scenarios this season.
Running Back | Edge: Clemson | South Carolina boasts four tailbacks who have shown themselves as viable options (Rico Dowdle, Ty’Son Williams, A.J. Turner, + Mon Denson).
While Clemson may not have as many horses in their backfield, Travis Etienne + Tavien Feaster have galloped all over opponents this season.
The Gamecocks have renewed their commitment to running the football with varying degrees of success this season – while the Tigers have faced little resistance in the run game.
Wide Receivers | Edge: South Carolina | Although Deebo Samuel is the headliner at wideout for the Gamecocks, Bryan Edwards has been responsible for some of South Carolina’s most spectacular grabs in 2018.
The Gamecocks also have a proven commodity in Shi Smith, and freshman Josh Vann has flashed some of the promise that had many excited about his arrival in Columbia. A rash of drops, however, has hurt the productivity of this group.
Clemson’s weapons are numerous, but the Tigers lack the main attraction that they’ve enjoyed in the past (Mike Williams, Deandre Hopkins + Sammy Watkins).
Offensive Line | Edge: Clemson | South Carolina’s front five has been a bit of a surprise this season, providing ample protection for Jake Bentley in the passing game. Although the Gamecocks have faced their share of struggles running the ball at times, the offensive line has held up well all things considered.
Clemson’s line has powered one of the nation’s top offenses + has helped keep Trevor Lawrence upright, allowing for a smooth transition at the quarterback position.
Defensive Line | Edge: Clemson | Like most of South Carolina’s defense, the front four has dealt with injuries throughout the season. However, this group has been one of the most steady performing units for the Gamecock defense in 2018 – despite a significant drop-off in November.
Clemson, meanwhile, touts a defensive line that has been compared to some of the greatest ever in college football, and the Tigers are racking up numbers to back up the immense praise.
Linebackers | Edge: Clemson | Clemson’s linebackers have not been thoroughly tested much this season, but the Tigers have made plays and been part of one of the nation’s top defenses. Meanwhile, South Carolina is sorely missing the departed Skai Moore – as the linebacker play has been a concern throughout the year.
An inability to shed blocks has led to several long nights for the Gamecock defense in run-stopping, and UofSC can not afford to get bullied at the second level by Clemson’s offensive line if the Gamecocks have any hopes of an upset.
Secondary | Edge: Clemson | The secondary might be Clemson’s weakest link (which is a lot like being a bronze medalist in the Olympics –still pretty darn good). The Tigers have suffered a few busts during the year, but nothing that has cost them a game.
South Carolina’s secondary has been debilitated by injuries, and coaches have readily admitted that there is not a current combination that they are comfortable with. That could spell trouble against the Tigers’ aerial assault.
🐔Three Keys to a Gamecock Upset
1️⃣ Trouble Trevor | The much ballyhooed high school phenom has lived up to his billing during his first season directing the Clemson offense. His success has been aided by the protection afforded to him by the Tiger offensive line. Through his first 10 games of action, Lawrence attempted 228 passes and was only sacked seven times. If the freshman stands in the pocket with time to scan the field against a depleted Gamecock secondary, things could turn ugly quickly for South Carolina. Keeping Lawrence on the run throughout the night is essential to upsetting the Tigers.
2️⃣ Stealing Time | Whether by turnovers, third and fourth-down conversions, onside kick recoveries (or swarm of locusts descending on the Tiger sideline), South Carolina must find a way to keep its offense on the field and limit Clemson’s time of possession. Although the Tigers move at a quick tempo, forcing the defense to remain on the field all night at a fast pace will decimate the Gamecocks’ chances for an upset.
3️⃣ Bentley, Not Chrysler | It’s been a trying season for the Gamecock signal-caller, but Jake Bentley has bounced back nicely from low moments vs. Kentucky in Lexington. One of the knocks on the junior during his career has been a knack for underperforming in the biggest games. Make no mistake about it, if South Carolina loses to Clemson, the loss will not be entirely Jake Bentley’s fault. However, a clean game from No. 19 with good decision-making and accurate passing would do wonders for South Carolina’s odds.
📸 Throwback to Palmetto Bowls of the past
Here are a couple of your own photos + memories from past Palmetto Bowls:
“My last football game as an undergrad student and the last time Carolina beat Clemson (2013)!” -Chelsey A.
“My name is Ashley Short. I’m from a small town called “Great Falls” South Carolina. I was fortunate enough coming from a small, rural town, to attend the University of South Carolina and became a Gamecock in 2003. I was in the marching band, was an RA in the women’s quad (not even sure if that’s still a thing!) and studied education. I love the city of Columbia so very much that I got the skyline tattooed on the inside of my arm. Sadly, I moved to Boston. I’ve been here for almost 7 years now. Truth be told, I look for jobs almost every day to return to my great Soda City but, it’s tough when you live out of state to get someone to take your out of state application seriously. I digress. The reason I’ve been able to maintain some bit of sanity here is the Gamecock bar in Boston (there’s one in NYC, too!) The alumni all get together, Gamecock the bar OUT, and give out all kinds of Gamecock paraphernalia. Below is a picture with two of my favorite men at the Clemson/Carolina game a few years ago. I even ran into a guy once who used to RA the year I did! Small world, but not really.” –Ashley S.
Get in on the conversation and comment your favorite throwback Palmetto Bowl pics + memories here.
No matter the stats, records, or players, South Carolina vs. Clemson is always the year’s most anticipated matchup. The Gamecocks and Tigers may be very different teams entering Saturday, but there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement during this year’s edition of The Palmetto Bowl.
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