NFL Divisional Playoffs |
Clemson vs. South Carolinaby Kris Lazaro 11/23/07 The battle for South Carolina will resume its 105th rendition this Saturday as the South Carolina Gamecocks host the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers have been pegged as 3 point road favorites in this matchup, mainly due to South Carolina’s recent 4 game losing skid. South Carolina’s last game was two weeks ago when it was smoked by the Florida Gators 51-31. After starting out the season 6-1, the Gamecocks have suddenly slid to a mediocre 6-5 record—and while they are bowl eligible, there is no guarantee that they can even make it to the postseason. There are currently 10 SEC teams that also have 6 or more wins, and with the SEC only having 8 bowl tie-ins, there is no guarantee that all 10 teams will go bowling this winter. The game between Clemson and South Carolina has some interesting trends that one can analyze. Clemson is a surprising 8-2 straight up and 7-3 against the spread against South Carolina during their last 10 meetings. Although both teams are coming off a loss, Clemson is 4-1 in its last 5 games, while the Cocks are 1-4. Clemson actually was leading in its last game up until the last few minutes. With 1 minute and change left in the game, Boston College rallied from a 4 point deficit and scored a touchdown late in the game to defeat Clemson by a score of 20-17. On the other hand, South Carolina has been on a losing streak, and it is the opinion of the author that this will continue. Clemson is hands down the better team and should bounce-back from their emotional loss last Saturday. Though South Carolina had a bye week to think about their losses, the author feels that there is a fundamental flaw in USC. Clemson should score first and never look back thereafter. Game prediction: 31-10 Clemson. |
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