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Vegas point spread favors Gamecocks over Clemson

The oddsmakers have set South Carolina as 5-point favorites to beat Clemson on Saturday. Is there any significance to the number five going into this game?

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Per Pinnacle, the Gamecocks enter their match-up against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday favored to win their fifth straight in the in-state rivalry.

Both teams still harbor hopes for a BCS bowl, and each of their chances will be substantially improved with a win.  And of course, state bragging rights will be on the line.

The Gamecock senior class enters the game with a chance to add to their record for most wins by any class in Gamecock football history, which currently stands at 40.  They would also be the first class ever to lead the Gamecocks to three straight seasons with double-digit victories.

Connor Shaw can also become the only Gamecock quarterback in school history with any meaningful number of starts to never lose a home game in his career.  And Steve Spurrier can increase his record over Dabo Swinney to 5-1 in their sixth match-up as head coaches.

For Clemson, whose ACC title hopes are gone, they'll be trying to get their first win over South Carolina since George W. Bush was president.  Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd will play what is likely and surely their final games in the state of South Carolina in Tiger uniforms, and each will take their last shot at getting a win over their arch rivals.

This game marks the fourth opponent of any real credibility for the Tigers this season.  Earlier this year, they squeaked by Georgia in the season-opener 31-28, and as many people may recall, fell flat on their faces against the Florida State Seminoles at home, with Gameday in attendance, on national television, by a score of 51-14.  Clemson did play well in its last outing against a team of relevance, notching an impressive 55-31 victory over Georgia Tech.

Kickoff time is set for 7pm from the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium.

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