Clemson Tigers (7-4) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (5-6)
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks 11/25/23 – The Clemson Tigers (7-4) will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks (5-6) on Saturday, November 25th in a rivalry NCAAF showdown. With bowl eligibility on the line for the Gamecocks, this Week 13 matchup will be a must-win game as they look to upset the ranked Tigers. Our NCAAF daily predictions expect this to be a competitive rivalry game between these in-state foes.
The Tigers’ offense runs through talented quarterback Cade Klubnik, whose precision passing has helped Clemson become an explosive team. Klubnik spreads the ball around to playmakers like Beaux Collins, but running back Phil Mafah adds balance and production in the run game. Defensively, Clemson fields a stingy unit allowing just 307 total yards per game. They have held opponents to 10 points or less in 2 of their last 3 games.
For the Gamecocks, quarterback Spencer Rattler pilots a dangerous passing offense with top target Xavier Legette. The Oklahoma transfer Rattler has elevated South Carolina with his pinpoint accuracy and ability to push the ball downfield. On the ground, Mario Anderson brings physicality between the tackles. Defensively, South Carolina has struggled against the pass but has an opportunistic secondary. Playing at home, the Gamecocks will need to force some turnovers to pull off the upset.
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks 11/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Williams-Brice Stadium |
| TV: | SECN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Cade Klubnik QB vs. Spencer Rattler QB
Cade Klubnik has seized the starting job in his freshman season, displaying advanced accuracy and decision-making for his age. With a 130.1 passer rating, Klubnik has thrown 19 touchdowns to just 7 picks, while adding an athletic dimension outside the pocket. He excels getting through progressions and stands tough against pressure. However, Klubnik is still gaining experience and can be baited into mistakes by disguised coverages. His composure on the road will be tested in this rivalry game environment.
Spencer Rattler has rediscovered his best form with South Carolina after struggling at Oklahoma. He has a stellar 154.2 passer rating behind 70.6% completions and 8.4 yards per attempt. Rattler excels throwing downfield off play action but can also efficiently dissect defenses with quick hitters. He processes information quickly post-snap but can get antsy against interior pressure. Rattler’s accuracy and explosiveness give the Gamecocks a fighting chance if he avoids costly turnovers.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Clemson Tigers -305, Total Odds: 50
Clemson enters as 7.5-point road favorites, indicating expectations for them to win by over a touchdown. The Tigers have had South Carolina’s number in recent years, going 7-1 straight up in the last 8 meetings. However, their more modest 4-2 cover rate against the spread shows betting value on the underdog Gamecocks. The total is set at 50 points in what projects as a defensive battle.
Clemson Tigers Betting Trends
The Tigers have been solid in going 5-2 straight up over their last 7 games, though recent struggles covering spreads indicate they are not meeting betting market expectations. Clemson has gone just 1-4 against the spread over their previous 5 road matchups. The under has also hit in 5 of their last 6 games at South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Trends
Despite their losing record, South Carolina has gone 6-1 straight up in their last 7 home games, signaling a major edge playing in Williams-Brice Stadium. They have also been strong covering spreads with a 4-1 mark over their last 5 November games. Defensively, the under has hit in 4 of South Carolina’s last 5 contests. In 8 of their last 12 games against Clemson, the scoring has finished under the projected total.
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks 11/25/23 Betting Picks
Our analysis shows value backing the scrappy home underdog Gamecocks to cover the spread. South Carolina matches up well offensively and their passing game can exploit holes in Clemson’s secondary. The Tigers may pull away late, but expect South Carolina to keep it close with Spencer Rattler making big throws on his home turf. The under also holds value given both defenses’ ability to bend but not break. Relying on our handicapping expertise, take South Carolina +7.5 and the under 50 to cash in.
Free Pick and Prediction: Clemson Tigers 27, South Carolina Gamecocks 23