College Football Odds: SEC Week 13 picks against the spread
Oct 17, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) makes a catch during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday December 28, 2015
- Time: 12PM Eastern
- Location: Columbia, SC
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Spread: Clemson -18
- Over/Under Total: 55
The South Carolina Gamecocks beat Clemson five straight times from 2009 to 2013, but were soundly defeated 35-17 last season in Death Valley to cap what was then a disappointing 6-6 regular season. Much has changed in the 365 days since, with head coach Steve Spurrier retiring midway through the 2015 season and the Gamecocks slumping to 3-8 after last week’s embarrassing loss to The Citadel.
But, even with so much going wrong for South Carolina, who is now on a four-game losing streak with six losses in seven games, there are a few silver linings heading into this week’s Palmetto Bowl with 11-0, No. 1 Clemson.
First of all, the game will kick off at noon in the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium and the South Carolina faithful are sure to be loud. Secondly, with nothing to lose if it doesn’t work out, enthusiastic interim head coach Shawn Elliott and the rest of the Carolina coaching staff are sure to pull out all the stops, including onside kicks, fake punts and trick plays. Also, junior wide receiver Pharoh Cooper is sure to be on top of his game as he prepares to leave school early for the NFL Draft and quarterback Perry Orth is coming off a career-high 367 passing yards.
However, the adrenaline pumping through the South Carolina players early on can only last so long, and eventually the sheer talent advantage on the Clemson sideline is sure to shine through.
The Tigers, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, have averaged an explosive 38.0 points and 501.4 yards of total offense. South Carolina by contrast, has allowed 422.1 total yards per game on defense, which is among the worst in the SEC and the Gamecocks rank dead last in the league in rush defense (215.7 rushing yards allowed per contest). The Clemson defense has been even better than its and ranks No. 5 in the nation having allowed an average of just 278.2 total yards per game.
Clemson is simply too much for the Gamecocks to handle this season. Expect the Tigers to roll.
Next: Alabama at Auburn