Three weeks ago, nobody would have thought all that much about the Palmetto Bowl other than a rivalry game between two pretty solid teams.
After some chaos last week and continued victories by the Gamecocks and Tigers, this matchup all of a sudden has major implications.
South Carolina and Clemson have crept back into the College Football Playoff conversation, and Saturday's winner will be firmly in the mix.
Clemson still has a path to the ACC Championship game, but it is unlikely given it requires a Syracuse upset win over Miami.
As a result, this feels like an elimination game, where the loser's hopes are dashed and the winner has a real chance of securing the final at large spot in the playoff.
Let's take a look at my South Carolina vs. Clemson predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Nov. 30.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs Clemson Tigers Prediction, Picks
- South Carolina vs. Clemson Pick: South Carolina +2.5
My Clemson vs. South Carolina best bet is on the Gamecocks to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
South Carolina vs Clemson Odds, Line, Spread
| South Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -120 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | +125 |
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 +100 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | -145 |
- South Carolina vs Clemson Spread: South Carolina +3 · Clemson -3
- South Carolina vs Clemson Over/Under: 48.5
- South Carolina vs Clemson Moneyline: South Carolina ML +125 · Clemson ML -145
South Carolina vs Clemson Week 14 Betting Preview
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview: Defense Leading the Way
If not for a couple of plays late in the games against LSU and Alabama, Shane Beamer's team could be inside the top 10 and firmly in the CFP picture.
The Gamecocks didn't hang their heads after those gut-wrenching defeats, and have rattled off five straight victories as a result.
The defense has been the backbone of this team all year and the metrics certainly highlight that. South Carolina ranks inside the top 20 in Pass Success, Havoc and Finishing Drives.
A large part of that is due to an elite defensive line that has been bursting into opposing backfields all season. Saturday will be another opportunity for that group to do exactly that, especially with a banged-up Clemson offensive line.
On the other side of the ball, second-year quarterback LaNorris Sellers continues to improve as the year has gone on.
Sellers got hurt late in the LSU game and was hobbled for a few weeks after that. Since his return to full health, he has been dynamic both with his arm and his legs.
Sellers' escape ability could be critical when the Clemson defense does decide to bring pressure off the edges.
Raheim Sanders remains a beast with the ball in his hands and could be in line for a big day on the ground as well as catching balls out of the backfield.
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview: Klubnik Thriving
It's been a bumpy ride at points this season, but credit to Dabo Swinney for keeping his team together. Things started ugly with a 34-3 loss to Georgia, but then the Tigers got hot, winning six in a row all by double digits.
Following that was a shocking home loss to Louisville which most thought would derail Clemson's season.
The Tigers bounced back with wins at Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh, and now have the opportunity to end the regular season on a high note, regardless of what happens in the ACC race.
Clemson's rushing attack has been its driving force all year, with running back Phil Mafah having six games where he has gone for 100+ yards.
QB Cade Klubnik can also make plays with his legs. He scored the game-winning drive against Pittsburgh, a play where he scampered for 50 yards all the way to the end zone to give Clemson the deciding points.
Just as has been the case throughout Dabo's tenure, the Tigers play good defense and don't really surrender big plays.
Spying the athletic Sellers will be important in this one, and if Clemson could force a couple of turnovers, it would go a long way in helping its chances to win this game.
South Carolina vs Clemson Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how South Carolina and Clemson match up statistically:
South Carolina Offense vs. Clemson Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 71 | 60 | |
| Line Yards | 68 | 83 | |
| Pass Success | 52 | 18 | |
| Havoc | 124 | 7 | |
| Finishing Drives | 50 | 43 | |
| Quality Drives | 57 | 28 | |
Clemson Offense vs. South Carolina Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 7 | 79 | |
| Line Yards | 9 | 31 | |
| Pass Success | 46 | 15 | |
| Havoc | 38 | 13 | |
| Finishing Drives | 22 | 16 | |
| Quality Drives | 27 | 21 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 47 | 41 |
| PFF Coverage | 7 | 21 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 42 | 109 |
| Middle 8 | 42 | 32 |
| Seconds per Play | 27.0 (63) | 25.5 (34) |
| Rush Rate | 62% (18) | 48% (100) |
How to Bet My South Carolina vs Clemson Pick
The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in America, and I'm not running from them now.
Yes, it's difficult to win at Clemson, but right now, I just view South Carolina as the better football team. I can't pass at the chance to take it as a short underdog in a game that will have its full focus and attention.
The South Carolina defensive line has feasted all season and should make like difficult for Klubnik all afternoon.
I like the Gamecocks to win this one outright, so I will gladly back them as 'dogs here in what should be a fantastic college football game.
Pick: South Carolina +2.5
South Carolina vs Clemson Start Time, TV Channel, Location, How to Watch
| Location: | Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 30 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
South Carolina faces Clemson in an in-state rivalry game on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
South Carolina vs Clemson Betting Trends
South Carolina vs Clemson Weather
