Scout.com - Gamecock/Clemson Game Prediction

Saw this today from Scout.com and I am posting it below for your reading pleasure...

South Carolina (7-4) at Clemson (6-5), 12:00 EST, ESPN2

Why to watch: All things considered, Clemson has done a commendable job of getting above .500 after a horrible start, winning three of its last four ACC games. The Tigers still need to win this week’s game to become bowl eligible since two of its victories have come against FCS opponents. Beating hated rival South Carolina would salvage something from this disappointing season, while improving Dabo Swinney’s chances of removing the interim tag from his title. South Carolina gets back to action two weeks after being dressed down by Florida, 56-6. Besides the obvious desire to reverse Clemson’s recent dominance in this series, the Gamecocks are hoping to improve their chances of getting an invitation to the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Why South Carolina might win: Since Clemson won’t be confused with Florida anytime soon, the Gamecocks will get back to being one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. Despite allowing 56 points two weeks ago, they’re still 11th nationally in total defense and allow just 19 points a game. The Tigers never found their groove on offense this season, putting up just 17 points a game versus teams from the FBS. They’ll have all kinds of problems with a swarming unit led by DE Eric Norwood, S Emmanuel Cook, and CB Captain Munnerlyn.

Why Clemson might win: In many ways, these two schools mirror one another. Like their rivals to the west, South Carolina has also been inconsistent on offense, ranking at the bottom of the SEC in rushing. It’ll take more than a one-dimensional attack to move the ball on a Tiger defense that’s yielded just 10 points in the last two games and is giving up less than 300 yards a game. Clemson is fifth in the country in pass defense, which will put added pressure on that futile Gamecock ground game. The Tigers haven’t allowed more than one touchdown pass in a game since Week 2, a streak neither Chris Smelley nor Stephen Garcia appear capable of snapping.

Who to watch: With almost no help from the pass rush, the Clemson pass defense has been outstanding, picking off six passes in the last three games. One of the stars of secondary has been S Michael Hamlin, who has the dual-abilities as a run defender and cover guy that’ll translate well to the NFL in 2009. The senior not only leads the Tigers in solo tackles, but also has a team-high five interceptions.

What will happen: Anything other than a physical, close, low-scoring game will be a surprise. The two schools are fairly evenly matched, with South Carolina rating an edge on defense and Clemson having slightly more pop on offense. The difference will come from the Tiger playmakers. The ‘Cocks don’t have a back that can compare to James Davis or C.J. Spiller, who’ll help soften the South Carolina defense in a Clemson victory.

CFN Prediction: Clemson 23 … South Carolina 17 ...

Line: Clemson -1
Must See Rating: (5 Football while eating Thanksgiving food – 1 Home movies after dinner) … 3

USC Seat Fee Update

USC announced that 92 percent of the season football tickets for next season have been reserved by Gamecock Club members pledging to pay the seat donations that the athletics department unveiled earlier this year. Of the 11,000 current season-ticket holders, fewer than 500 have waived their 2009 tickets. Another 993 members failed to respond by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Shortly after this announced, USC AD Eric Hyman was seen yelling "show me the money" as he walked through the offices at the AD complex.

SC Big Game Week (please add comments)

USC vs CU News Thread

More Clemson Game coverage for Gamecock Nation:

Gamecocks Begin Preparations for Clemson
Morris: Spurrier continues search for answers at QB
Could Gamecocks alter Clemson coach search?
USC ignites tiger as tradition renewed
Clash of old friends comes to Death Valley
Practice report: No interview set for Swinney ... yet
Destination unknown, Tigers hope for road trip
Practice report: Pro defections seem likely
Poll: What's the best USC tradition?
Clemson to face tough defense in Carolina
Spurrier names Smelley starter against Clemson
Korn headed for postseason shoulder surgery
Clemson report: Swinney says he has no regrets
Clemson's Kelly focused on beating USC, earning bowl bid
USC's Spurrier names Smelley starter against Clemson
Last year's loss weighed heavily on USC defense
When in doubt, better to go with the home team
Road life in Death Valley is just as nice as The Brice
Napier settling in on big stage
Korn due surgery after USC game
Smelley will carry the load

USC's Garcia sick

The "chosen one" may not see action vs. Clemson due to stomach virus according to The State. It says he will "be ready" but I personally doubt it. Anyone who has every had a stomach virus knows that it takes longer than a couple of days to get 100%. But he may play just worry if he truly will "be ready?" Will it be back up 3rd stringer SC QB Tommy Beecher to the rescue like Erik Kimrey?

South Carolina - Clemson News Thread

Us here at LOHD this week will try to keep you up to date on news pertaining to the rivalry game on Saturday:

Rivalry game may not alter USC’s bowl

Tigers lose DE Sapp for season finale

Daily report: Smelley earned his start at Clemson
Rivalry week: Why did the Gamecock cross the road?

Korn faces more tests on ailing shoulder
Brinkley hopes to make a difference again vs. Clemson

Sapp tears ACL; beat-up Tigers prepare for USC

5 reasons for Tigers' recent dominance

High noon: Lot on line for Clemson

Clemson favored against Gamecocks?

How can this be? I don't know about you but I am surprised to see Clemson opening up the week favored by 1....

What do you guys think? Maybe because they have a certain "awesome-ness" about them like the guys pictured on your left?

Former Tennessee Recruit now a Gamecock

Good news to start the week as USC on Sunday picked up commitments from a 2009 prospect and one for 2010.
D.J. Swearinger (6-foot-0, 200 pounds) is the 2009 pledge. Swearinger had been favoring the Gamecocks since de-committing from Tennessee following Phillip Fulmer’s resignation.
Thanks Vol nation!

You know the Clemson firing and UT firing has worked out well for Carolina. Having Holloman and Swearinger in the USC secondary in coming years will continue the trend over the last few years of USC having a great 'D.'

Also defensive lineman Kelcy Quarles (6-4, 260) committed to the Gamecocks Sunday for the 2010 class. Quarles is the son of former USC offensive tackle Buddy Quarles.

More Recruiting News

Gamecocks vs Tigers a Noon Kickoff

Per the ACC website...the Gamecocks vs Tigers game in Death Valley will be a noon-er! And will be showcased on ESPN2.

thoughts? Is a noon kickoff good for USC or CU?