COLUMBIA, S.C. — The anticipation builds as No. 17 Clemson prepares to face No. 19 South Carolina in the most prominent annual sporting event in the state. Both teams enter this clash with a burning desire to enhance their credentials for a potential College Football Playoff spot, realizing the stakes are high in their upcoming game on November 30. The outcome of this rivalry could significantly impact their playoff chances, leading to feelings of regret should they fall short of inclusion in the upcoming twelve-team field.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney remains resilient, stating, “We’re in the fight,” as he and South Carolina’s Shane Beamer work to persuade College Football Playoff selectors that their teams deserve a shot at postseason glory. Both the Tigers, boasting an 8-2 record, and the Gamecocks, standing at 7-3, demonstrated their tenacity in recent matches by staging remarkable comebacks in the fourth quarter, keeping their playoff dreams alive. The last College Football Playoff ranking placed Clemson at No. 20 and South Carolina a spot lower at No. 21, leaving their fates hanging in the balance as new rankings are due Tuesday evening.
In a dramatic turn of events against Pittsburgh, Clemson saw a 10-point lead evaporate as they found themselves trailing 20-17 late in the game. However, quarterback Cade Klubnik responded with a thrilling 50-yard touchdown run, securing a 24-20 victory. On the other hand, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers orchestrated an even more impressive comeback, leading his team to a 34-31 win over then-No. 24 Missouri with a last-minute touchdown pass to Raheim Sanders, completing a phenomenal rally in which they overcame multiple deficits.
Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to face in-state FCS opponents this weekend, expected to emerge victorious before their highly anticipated rivalry matchup. Clemson will host The Citadel while South Carolina matches up against Wofford, with no betting lines available for these contests.
If Clemson manages to secure their second consecutive victory against a fierce rival, they would effectively claim a significant triumph over one of the Southeastern Conference’s hottest contenders, who have been on a four-game winning streak, including three victories against ranked teams. Meanwhile, two wins for the Gamecocks would culminate in a remarkable six-game winning streak to finish the year, solidifying their impressive record against Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Missouri, and potentially Clemson—all teams that were in the Top 25 for most of the season.
Shane Beamer expressed the strong team culture and unity following their win over Missouri, stating, “It’s real here. We got culture here,” reflecting the belief the team has in one another. Yet, there lingers a feeling of what might have been due to mistakes made earlier in the season.
Clemson’s home loss to Louisville on November 2—where they fell 33-21—casts a shadow over their season. Despite their 7-1 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference, this setback could hinder their chances at reaching the league championship, especially if No. 11 Miami and No. 13 SMU continue their winning streaks.
Swinney lamented, “We had a chance to control our destiny. So we need a little bit of help,” acknowledging the challenges ahead. Across the board, South Carolina has faced similar close calls, such as their heart-wrenching defeat to then-No. 16 LSU after holding a fourth-quarter lead and narrowly losing to Alabama after leading 19-14 entering the final period.
Linebacker Debo Williams admitted that he finds it hard to shake off these close losses from his mind. However, he believes these experiences have only intensified the team’s hunger to succeed. “All we can do is take care of our business,” Swinney reiterated, holding onto the hope of finishing the season with a commendable 10-2 record.
As the Tigers and Gamecocks head towards the decisive showdown, each team is focused on achieving victory while keeping an eye on playoff considerations. Ultimately, determining their fate rests beyond their control, and both squads must navigate the challenges that lie ahead.