It's that time of year, folks. A select few teams are done with conference play, and instead focus on regional rivalries. Perhaps the biggest of such games this weekend is a matchup between two top ten teams from the Palmetto State, as the South Carolina Gamecocks host the Clemson Tigers.
How to watch Clemson vs. South Carolina 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Tigers pull off the rivalry upset?
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Both schools have had successful seasons, and the answer to whose season was more successful may ride on the result of this game. Clemson has the better record, at 10-1, and while South Carolina plays in the tougher SEC, their conference schedule has been very favorable. If the Gamecocks win this one, they’ll both finish with 10-2 records, and with two wins apiece over top-ten opponents.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Clemson is ranked No. 6 in the latest BCS standings, while South Carolina is No. 10. The Tigers are 10-1, while the Gamecocks are 9-2. Clemson holds a 65-41-4 all-time lead in the series, but South Carolina has won the last four matchups between the two schools.
Vegas: South Carolina is a five-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: Likely in the high 30s with clear skies.
Three names to know
Tajh Boyd. Clemson's quarterback has perhaps the best deep arm in college football, and will look to balance that out with a strong running game.
Jadeveon Clowney. South Carolina's star defensive end has battled injuries and media criticism all season, but he's an absolute force on the line.
Sammy Watkins. Boyd's top target is one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the nation, and is expected to be a top NFL pick.
Two things at stake
Clemson has a very small chance at a BCS title berth, if a whole lot of dominoes fall. They’d have to beat South Carolina to do it.
South Carolina is looking for their third straight ten-win season -- something they’ve never done before. To be fair, they had never recorded two straight ten-win seasons before last year.
How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
Shakin’ the Southland has all your Clemson coverage, while Garnet and Black Attack is the place to go for all things South Carolina.
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