Palmetto State Rivalry Renewed Nov. 29

No need to circle this game on calendars in August for football fans in the state of South Carolina. Throw out the records, throw out the stats. Just call it the Palmetto War.

In recent memory, this matchup has been one-sided. In 2005, Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst became the only QB in the rivalry to win all four games in a career. Since 2002, South Carolina has beaten the Tigers once, an unforgettable win in Death Valley in 2006.

Gamecocks fans will never forget Jad Dean's FG miss that season in USC's slim 31-28 win. Saturday will mark the Gamecocks return trip to Howard Rock and hopefully second consecutive victory on the road vs. the Tigers.

WHAT's AT STAKE, BRAGGIN RIGHTS

Clemson - A win makes the Tigers bowl eligible. Clemson has won three in a row for head coach Dabo Swinney and a win against the Gamecocks may give Swinney the head coaching job for next season.

South Carolina - Eight wins and a New Year's Day bowl. Steve Spurrier is 1-2 against Clemson in his first three years as the Gamecocks' head coach and South Carolina would love to shake off the Florida loss with a win at Clemson.

KEY FOR A GAMECOCKS WIN

Turnovers. Turnovers. Turnovers. Oh, and Mike Davis. If South Carolina can show some balance on offense and throw it around without interceptions, the Gamecocks could roll over the Tigers. But we all know that's not the case with a senior back averaging 3 yards a carry and a sophomore QB (Smelley) that has a habit of throwing it to the wrong team.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

One of the nation's most underrated rivalries (insert Brawl in 2004) will almost certainly be a game coming down to the wire. Between your leftover turkey and glass of sweet tea, check out the Gamecocks and Tigers in Death Valley.


CJ Spiller, pictured, will be Clemson's main weapon against the Garnet and Black defese. Can the Gamecocks stop the 1-2 punch and speed of Spiller and senior James Davis? It'll be a dog fight in the trenches.

WHO WILL WIN

Based on history, Clemson wins this game. Based on recent ineptitude on offense for USC, Clemson wins this game. Based on a gut feeling and SOS's record in Death Valley, I'm going with the Gamecocks 23-20.