Everybody knows the story of David vs. Goliath. David takes out the otherworldly human with a slingshot kill shot. But why is it that we are so fascinated with this story centuries later? The answer lies in our rooting interest; our desire for the seemingly impossible to be proven possible.
David vs. Goliath tales dot the sports landscape and comprise some of our most cherished competitive memories. Appalachian State over Michigan (you're welcome, Diesel). "The Miracle on Ice" at Lake Placid. Joe Namath's Jets over the Colts. Leicester City winning the EPL in just their 2nd season in the Premiership.
From a program standpoint, South Carolina vs. Clemson is David vs,. Goliath. As you all know, Clemson has beaten South Carolina in the famed Palmetto Rivalry six straight times. And they've done so by an average of 25.3ppg. Clemson has won national championships. South Carolina has won embarrassment and humiliation.
Are things destined to remain that way? Is Clemson beating South Carolina A6ain a foregone conclusion? See what I did there with the #6? Not a typo. It's also a "Not so fast, my friend" that Clemson is going to win again this season. South Carolina is more than capable of breaking Clemson's streak of six straight in the Palmetto Rivalry. And I better not see any laughing emoji's attached to that.
I am not here to tell you that South Carolina in 2021 is a world beater. I owe you honesty and that wouldn't be delivering as much. After all, Clemson is (somewhat inexplicably) #10 in ESPN's Football Power Index and the Gamecocks are 82nd.
But all you had to have done to be aware of the obvious, that the Gamecocks can beat Clemson THIS SEASON, is watch. Clemson blows out nobody. Before a miracle of all miracles botched lateral play occurred to aid Clemson to a ten point victory over Florida State, the Tigers were oh-for-the-season in covering the spread. Anybody is in the game against them because the offense hasn't been dynamic enough to ensure that isn't the case.
What I am about to share with you can't be made up, but is reality: Offensively, Clemson and South Carolina are essentially mirror images of one another. Clemson is 114th out of 130 teams nationally in total offense, producing 328.3 yards per game. And South Carolina is 115th. They're producing 328.1 yards per game. Defensively, Clemson is 24th and South Carolina is 40th nationally in 2021. The moral of the story is, Clemson's defense keeps them in every game. And conversely, Clemson's offense keep their opponent in every game.
If South Carolina can contain the blossoming Will Shipley; if they can make Clemson one dimensional; if they can produce an unpredictable touchdown on a kickoff return or punt return, or a pick six. A blocked field goal; a fake punt. The unthinkable could happen.
And I believe there are going to be some tight sphincters in those hills the 3rd quarter when Clemson fans realize they're in a fight late in a rivalry game. I see that being the case. Gun to my head, money on the line, I'll take Clemson to win. But it's going to be a game, and it's going to be a game that could turn on an unexpected play.
It was once thought we were years away from seeing a garnet and black victory in the Palmetto Rivalry. Should the Gamecocks play the best game of their season against Clemson later this month, Back to the Future could be here today.
I'm Marc Ryan, and I approve this message.
Score Prediction: Clemson 24, South Carolina 16