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High Stakes as Tigers Host Gamecocks in Palmetto Bowl

Clemson Tigers RB Phil Mafa — © Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

Everything will be on the line in the 121st Palmetto Bowl at noon EST on Saturday, Nov. 30 when the No. 12 Clemson Tigers (9-2, 7-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) welcome the red-hot No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (8-3, 5-3 South Eastern Conference) to Memorial Stadium. The Gamecocks, winners of five straight, are looking to make it six and sneak into the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, the Tigers have righted the ship after a setback against Louisville (7-4, 5-3 ACC) and are also hoping to secure a playoff berth with a victory over their in-state rival. This is the first time since 2017 that both teams will be ranked for this rivalry game and to the victor goes the spoils.

Battle Tested Tigers

The Clemson Tigers were cruising to the ACC championship before stumbling in Week 10 vs. Louisville. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that setback took them out of the driver’s seat, and they now must wait to see if Syracuse (8-3, 4-3 ACC) can topple No. 6 Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) to secure a spot for Clemson in the conference championship game. The Tigers are also hoping to backdoor their way into the College Football Playoff. They sit at the No. 12 spot in the CFP rankings and must win to keep those hopes alive. They will have to do so without guard Trent Howard who suffered an ACL tear in practice. The Tigers have overcome injuries to the offensive line all season and will need to do so again in Week 14.

Clemson’s Keys

Phil Mafah, RB

Mafah has been Mr. Consistency for the Tigers this season and his 5.6-yard average keeps defenses on their heels. Mafah will be fresh for the Palmetto Bowl after last week’s rout of The Citadel allowed him well-needed time to recover from a grueling season. Expect a heavy dosage of Mafah as Clemson establishes the running game to open up the pass.

Cade Klubnik, QB

Klubnik continues to impress in the air and on the ground. His 2,761 yards have him a top-20 quarterback in the nation. His decision-making and dual-threat ability have presented a problem to defenses all season. He must continue his flawless play to keep the Tigers’ win streak and playoff hopes alive.

Clemson Tigers QB Cade Klubnik — © Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

South Carolina Surprise

The Gamecocks have been a fiery and competitive bunch all season. Their consistency has paid dividends, and they enter this game with an outside chance to sneak into the College Football Playoff as an at-large team. Led by Freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a stout defense, the Gamecocks have clawed their way through a tough SEC and are on the outside looking in for a playoff berth. During their five-game win streak, the Gamecocks have had definitive victories over No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) and No. 21 Missouri (8-3, 4-3 SEC). A third victory over a ranked opponent could be enough to tip the scale to South Carolina.

South Carolina Keys

LaNorris Sellers, QB

Sellers has been stellar this season, throwing for 2,110 yards, 17 TDs and only 6 interceptions. He has also added 489 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs. Any chance the Gamecocks have in this rivalry matchup will be based on his ability to make plays against a tough Tigers defense.

South Carolina Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers — © Jeff Blake - Imagn Images

Defense

South Carolina’s defense has been a problem for opposing offenses all season. They are 14th in the nation in points allowed at 18.6 per game. They are led by a ferocious defensive line that is second in the SEC with 39 sacks. They will have their hands full vs. the Tigers but a recent injury to the Clemson offensive line could prove pivotal in their chance for success this week.

Palmetto Bowl History and Outcome

The last two years of this rivalry matchup have been electric as the teams split victories. In 2022, the Gamecocks took down the Tigers 31-30 at Clemson. Clemson responded in 2023 and won a defensive battle 16-7 at South Carolina. Clemson leads the series 9-6 since Dabo Swinney has taken the helm and the Tigers lead the series overall 73-43-4.

The 121st meeting may be the most important to date as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. Hence, much more than bragging rights is on the line this year. Expect Shane Beamer and Co. to shock Death Valley once again in 2024. Gamecocks 33, Tigers 28.