Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

The Clemson Tigers take a breather from the ACC before heading into the conference title game next week, but they will not be taking their opponents lightly when they face their bitter in-state rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The 16th-ranked Tigers (8-3) have come full circle after a disappointing 2008 season which led to the stepping down/dismissal of long time coach Tommy Bowden after a 3-3 start to what was supposed to be an exceptional season. His replacement was Dabo Swinney, intended to be an interim coach only, but he led them to a 4-2 finish, a bowl berth and the win over South Carolina, 31-14, may have clinched the job for him.

Based on the series, Clemson has reason to be confident heading into their meeting with South Carolina (6-5, 3-5). The Tiger game usually coincides with the annual Gamecock swoon as they have skidded to the finish the last four years, including this year when they have dropped four of the last five and three straight.

The South Carolina Gamecocks have lost two straight, eight of the last ten and 24 of 33 games played since 1976 in the series. The Tigers hold a commanding 65-37-4 advantage in the all-time series.

C.J. Spiller, Clemson’s star running back was dinged up in the Tigers’ last game, a 34-21 win over Virginia, but he expects to play this week as he is 106 yards short of amassing 1000 yards in the regular season.

The Gamecocks are bowl eligible but may not be an attractive option for an at-large bowl bid as it has been nearly a month since their last victory.

South Carolina has won beaten Clemson at home since 2001.