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Game Preview Clemson @ South Carolina
The Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks meet Saturday in Columbia in a rivalry game that carries less postseason weight than last year—but plenty of pride. The Palmetto Bowl matchup looks different this season, with both teams outside the national spotlight and South Carolina already eliminated from bowl contention.
Clemson (6-5, 4-4 ACC) has rebounded from a 2-4 start with three straight wins, including a dominant 45-10 victory over Furman. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has stabilized the offense while the Tigers’ defense has improved its red-zone efficiency.
South Carolina (4-7, 1-7 SEC) routed Coastal Carolina 51-7 last week, but it was too little too late. Still, the Gamecocks will look to reclaim in-state bragging rights after last season’s 17-14 upset win over Clemson—a loss that snapped a seven-game series win streak for the Tigers.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spread | Clemson -6.5 |
| Moneyline | Clemson -250 / South Carolina +200 |
| Total (O/U) | 46.5 |
| Location | Williams-Brice Stadium, SC |
| Time & Date | Saturday, Nov. 30, 7:30 PM ET |
| TV Coverage | SEC Network |
Track all updated betting lines at our NCAAF scores and odds page.
Clemson Outlook
After a rocky start, the Tigers have rediscovered their identity. Dabo Swinney’s squad has won three straight, and quarterback Cade Klubnik has taken better control of the offense. He has thrown for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while showing better poise in the pocket.
Sophomore T.J. Moore leads the receiving corps with 653 yards and four touchdowns, while Antonio Williams adds 538 yards on 48 receptions. Running back Adam Randall has 677 yards and eight touchdowns, giving Clemson a balanced offensive approach.
Defensively, Clemson has allowed just 13.6 points per game over the past three contests and ranks among the ACC’s best in sacks and third-down stops.
Leverage these stats using our unit betting guide to scale your risk and return.
South Carolina Outlook
The Gamecocks were ranked No. 13 in the preseason but stumbled early and never recovered. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has passed for 2,056 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. His primary target is Nyck Harbor, who leads the team with 503 receiving yards and five scores on 24 catches.
Vandrevius Jacobs has added 407 yards and three touchdowns, while Rahsul Faison leads the rushing attack with 433 yards on 91 carries.
Despite the team’s record, coach Shane Beamer praised his squad’s effort in last week’s dominant win, emphasizing that motivation and energy remain high. That emotional edge could be a factor in a rivalry setting.
Want to better analyze motivation in college football betting? Explore our sports betting psychology guide.
Key Matchup Table
| Matchup | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Play | Clemson |
| Rushing Efficiency | Clemson |
| Receiving Corps | South Carolina |
| Red Zone Defense | Clemson |
| Special Teams | South Carolina |
| Turnover Margin | Even |
Betting Trends
- Clemson is 3-0 ATS in its last 3 games.
- South Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games.
- The total has gone under in 4 of Clemson’s last 6 games.
- South Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 home games vs Clemson.
- The under has hit in 5 of the last 7 Palmetto Bowl matchups.
- Clemson has won 7 of the last 8 meetings straight up.
- South Carolina is 1-6 when allowing over 28 points.
- Clemson is 5-1 ATS when favored by 7 points or less this season.
For more spread breakdowns, review our point spread betting explainer.
Prediction
Clemson has momentum and balance on both sides of the ball. Klubnik has cleaned up his decision-making, and the Tigers’ defense has become one of the ACC’s most dependable down the stretch.
South Carolina’s home-field advantage and rivalry motivation keep things interesting early, but Clemson’s consistency and depth should carry them to a hard-fought win.
Projected Score: Clemson 27, South Carolina 17
Spread Pick: Clemson -6.5
Total Lean: Under 46.5
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