Just win
South Carolina has gone a month without a victory, dating to a 14-10 home victory against Vanderbilt on Oct. 24. The Gamecocks have dropped three in a row and four of five since starting 5-1. But they can salvage a solid season by beating their rivals, who have taken 10 of the past 12 in the series.
Long, dry spell
USC has not scored more than 16 points since the Kentucky game on Oct. 10, and is averaging 12.6 points over its past five games. That has led to questions about the play-calling, which Steve Spurrier took over from his son Steve Spurrier Jr. before the Florida game. The way Clemson is piling up points (40.7 per game during its six-game win streak), Gamecocks probably need to put up 28 to have a shot.
Tastes like chicken
The Gamecocks are bowl bound regardless of today’s outcome, but they can enhance their destination and payout with a win. USC players have their eye on Atlanta and the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31. The holiday travel gets longer with a loss as the Gamecocks would fall to the Independence in Shreveport, La., or the Papajohns.com in Birmingham.
So long, seniors
Nine seniors will play their final home game today, tied with Duke for the second-smallest senior class in the country. The group includes one of the best defensive players in school history in linebacker Eric Norwood. The Butkus Award finalist and two-time All-SEC pick will try to add his career-leading sacks and tackles for loss totals with a big game against the Tigers.
Find a crease
The Gamecocks rushed for 208 yards in 2006 in their last victory in the series, and Spurrier talked about the need to establish a running game today. Brian Maddox ran for 82 tough yards against Florida, while Spurrier could dust off the Wildcat after Virginia had success with that package last week against the Tigers. If USC does not keep Clemson honest with the run, the Tigers will tee off on Stephen Garcia.
Updates from dmclemore