Scouting South Carolina at Clemson: What to Watch for When the Tigers Have the Ball
3. Can Carolina pressure the quarterback?
I was surprised to learn that Clemson ranks 24th in the nation in sacks allowed. The Tigers offensive line hasn't exactly been dominant this year, but they seem to be getting the job done when it comes to protecting the QB. Carolina's defensive front has been on a serious tear lately. Will it perform against effective Clemson protection?
2. Can Clemson run the ball without Andre Ellington in the lineup?
Ellington has been the backbone of Clemson's offense this year, and he'll either be sidelined or playing below 100% this week. However, Jamie Harper, who struggled throughout the early portion of the season, has come on strong over the past two weeks, seemingly answering the question regarding whether Clemson can survive sans Ellington. Regardless of what happens with Ellington, Harper will again likely be called on to carry the load this week. Carolina has done well against power backs like Harper for most of the season; will they do so this week, too?
1. Can Clemson take advantage of our secondary issues?
The Tigers have the country's 80th ranked passing offense. Most of the problem has been lackluster receiver play, but part of it has been declining play from Kyle Parker. Tajh Boyd, Clemson's backup QB, has also been ineffective in the meaningful downs he's played. If Clemson wants to move the ball in this game, Carolina's track record suggest that the Tigers need to throw the ball. But can they with any semblance of consistent success, even against our secondary?
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This may get real ugly real fast.
I’m expecting Carolina to blow them out in this one. I might do some research and see what the biggest point differential is in one of these games. The sad thing is even if Carolina jumps out to a big lead I don’t see them keeping the starters in with the championship game looming. Sad!
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Nov 22, 2025 4:15 PM EST reply actions
I think about ...
1) Tennessee and Kentucky and remember how the Gamecocks Secondary is vulnerable to big plays. Parker and the Clemson WRs have underperformed this year. I would not be at all surprised if they have a good game this weekend.
2) Clemson’s Defense should be able to challenge the Gamecocks. They will be as good as many of the Defenses USC has faced this year in the SEC.
3) Until two weeks ago..SC would transform into a mild mannered flag football team when on the road. Even though they WHOOPED FLORIDA, IN THE FREAKIN SWAMP, AT NIGHT, WHEN THE SEC EAST CROWN WAS ON THE LINE (YEAHHHH WOOOOOO) I am not convinced that they have fixed the on-the-road-malaise that plagues them.
All of that combined makes me think this will be a close, nail bitting, game
by loop4zill on Nov 22, 2025 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Although our secondary has been awful for most of the year, it’s important to note that it has improved drastically the last two weeks. Apparently, it helps if DBs meet together. Imagine that.
by Uhaul on Nov 22, 2025 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t anticipate a blow out. Clemson’s defense is pretty decent; on the flip side, their offense is putrid. I’m thinking a 10-13 point victory. 24-14 or 27-14…something in that range. What I do know is there is no excuse for losing this game.
by Uhaul on Nov 22, 2025 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Like some of you,
I’m uncomfortably confident about this one. Given our performance the past two weeks, it kind of feels like we’ve hit a stride that’s never been there before. True, Clemson has a good secondary and Bowers on the line, but I’ve not been overly impressed beyond that. With a girlfriend who’s a Clemson fan, I’ve had the joy of watching their offense this season. I don’t see this passing attack (potential or not) really exposing our secondary. This game reminds me a lot of Florida and I see our team coming in pumped up and ready to play.
by stapleears on Nov 22, 2025 6:31 PM EST reply actions
the Coaching staff
seems to have found the right combo of practice activities so that the team is peaking on Gameday
by loop4zill on Nov 22, 2025 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
I couldn't do that.
I, unfortunately, take losing too badly. It is one of my many flaws. Me and whatever Clemson girl would be broken up after about two Carolina losses.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Nov 23, 2025 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Coaching Staff
I like Steve Spurrier’s chances to figure out Kevin Steele before Kevin Steele figures out Steve Spurrier. Add to that the freakish talent of Marcus Lattimore.
Last night on Carolina Calls someone asked the HBC if we’d see Stephon run the Wild-Cock and he pretty much pooh-poohed it, but he said something like “we have a ton of ball plays we haven’t run yet” …
They wore garnet helmets.
by tryptic67 on Nov 23, 2025 6:22 AM EST reply actions
Love to read that
If there’s one thing this team has done better this year than past teams, it’s execute. Nothing worse than a botched trick play. I’m comforted that we run the quick screen pass as effectively as we do.
/conveniently forgets about fake punt against Arky
/probably some others too
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends." - Tom Waits
by Gamecock'n'Balls on Nov 23, 2025 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
I expect one thing from Clemson this weekend.
To get dominated by Carolina. 35-14 is my prediction. And I am not confident about their 14.
by Charlestowne on Nov 23, 2025 2:02 PM EST reply actions
I like it!
Garnet and Black Attack: A Blog By and For Gamecocks Fans.
by Gamecock Man on Nov 23, 2025 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

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