Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Rivalry Week


Its that time of the year again! Rivalry week has arrived! While most of the nation will have their eyes set upon the Auburn-Alabama showdown, there is another pretty big rivalry game going on down in Columbia, SC. Two top ten teams will face off under the lights in Williams-Brice Stadium where the Gamecocks have won 17 straight and currently hold the record for longest (active) home game winning streak. Much of that success can be attributed to Conner Shaw. The guy just has that unmatched will to win and when he's on the field no matter how healthy he is, you know you're gonna get 100% from him every play. From a Clemson fan perspective, he is easily the most well respected Gamecock QB I have watched. Gets it done on the field, he is a great leader, stays out of trouble and represents his team and university well. Strictly business from him and I respect that to the utmost degree. 

This rivalry doesn't get the national attention it deserves but its quickly on the rise. Saturday will be the first EVER meeting of top ten ranked teams between the Gamecocks and Tigers. Although recent times have been not-so-memorable for Clemson fans, its been fun to see this rivalry become relevant on the national stage. In the "old days" (remember, I'm just 21 years old) South Carolina and Clemson alike would be fighting for that 8th/9th win and a respectable bowl trip. Fast forward to now, both have been contenders for conference titles and now both teams almost "expect" to have 10-win seasons. Incredible to see how times have changed and in short period of time. Both of these programs are on the rise and I'm thrilled to see this rivalry continue to grow. This is THE game of the year in this state and is talked about 365 days a year. Spurrier and Swinney have been taking shots at each other since June and July. This is truly a heated and year-long rivalry. For the Tigers, Saturday is, simply put....a must-win. Clemson has had to listen to the criticism and jokes for four years straight now. It has been a long and tough four years. A LONG, LONG, FOUR YEARS. Its time to reclaim the dominance in this rivalry. Is this the year the Tigers get the job done and take down South Carolina? Only time will tell but both fan bases should take the time to enjoy this special era of this rivalry with both teams recent success. This won't last forever and might not ever happen again. So be sure to step back and enjoy the greatness of this moment, no matter who you cheer for. 

PREDICTIONS: 


#1 Alabama vs #4 Auburn

The Iron Bowl is bigger than ever this year....at least from a hype standpoint. This year's game features a top 5 showdown. The winner earns a trip to the SEC Championship to take on either Missouri or South Carolina. The game also has BCS title game implications. Auburn has been the comeback team of the year after winning only three games in 2012 topped off by a 49-0 woodshed beating from Alabama. This year the Tigers are much improved. However, I don't think it will make a difference. Auburn needed a fluke Hail Mary to hold off the rally from a struggling UGA squad that has lost just about every significant piece of their offense at some point or another this season. Auburn does have the home-field advantage going for them but not sure how much they will actually have to cheer about. Auburn 's offense is pretty simple and they run basically the same 6-7 plays at you. Granted they are very good at executing these plays...from a game-planning standpoint, you know exactly what Auburn is going to try and do. Nick Saban was created for games like these and I think his guys come out and show why they are the #1 team in the nation. Roll Tide, Roll!

The Pick: Alabama 41 Auburn 21 



#2 Florida State vs Florida 

This game barely even deserves any discussion at all. Florida has had a horrible season plagued by injuries and ineffective coaching. I like Will Muschamp and I hope Florida AD Jeremy Foley stands by his world and gives Muschamp a chance to get this ship sailing in the right direction. However, after last week's lost to Georgia Southern (!!!!) at home, Gator country is...not pleased about the condition of the program right now and rightfully so. Jamies Winston is probably the best player I've ever seen in person and off the field issues aside, he has been extremely impressive so far this year. That being said, I'm interested to see how he matches up against a solid defense like the one he will likely face in the national championship...assuming the Seminoles and Crimson Tide handle their business these next two weekends. As for this game, even with it being in the Swamp and even with it being a rivalry game and all...I just don't see the Gators standing a chance of even holding the Seminoles under 40 points. We saw the effects of having a 3rd string QB under-center last weekend....this one is just gonna be downright ugly.

The Pick: Florida State 56 Florida 10




Georgia @ Georgia Tech

Both teams enter this year with a record of (7-4, 5-3) and are looking to end the season on a positive note. Its been quite the year for the Bulldogs who had dreams of a BCS title this year. However, a season opening loss to Clemson and key injuries to Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, Malcolm Mitchell and most recently, QB Aaron Murray have crippled their offense, literally. Its been a devastating year for the Dawgs and it seemed to be one thing after another in Athens this year. However with Gurley back healthy I would have to give the Bulldogs the edge here. The yellow jackets are 5th in the nation in rushing yards and their option-based offense can be extremely tricky. However, Vad Lee is pretty atrocious at throwing the football...probably why they don't air it out too often. Despite the losses they have suffered including Aaron Murray who tore his ACL last weekend, I still think UGA is the better team of the two and they will make it known. Hutson Mason is now the man in Athens...will be interesting to see how he responds.

The Pick: Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 21 



#6 Clemson @ #10 South Carolina 


Preview: 

Clemson (10-1, 7-1) vs South Carolina (9-2, 6-2) 
Columbia, SC--Williams Brice Stadium 7pm ESPN2 

This year's game is HUGE. Plain and simple. South Carolina has had the Tigers number the past four years and have dominated Clemson. The Gamecocks game plan hasn't been a complicated one. On defense, expect South Carolina to bring some pressure and try to sniff out the running game and more importantly, try to rattle Tajh Boyd who hasn't played so well against the Gamecocks. On offense they are going to try and establish the running game early and set up the play-action pass and attack this Tiger secondary who will be without Safety Travis Blanks who suffered a torn ACL last weekend against the Citadel. One of the major keys to this game will be the line of scrimmage. South Carolina has won that battle the past few years and last year the Tigers had no answer for Clowney who recorded 4.5 sacks in Death Valley. The Tigers are going to have to step up and be physical up front on both sides of the ball. Conner Shaw can beat you through the air or on the ground. If he has success running the ball early... it could be a long night for the guys in Orange and White. If Boyd can get comfortable in the pocket and Clemson can establish some success in the running game, the Tigers will have a much better chance at escaping Williams-Brice with a victory. Another key to the game is time of possession. The Gamecocks held the ball for 39:58 of the game last year compared to 20:02 for the Tigers. (That is pure domination) In 2011, South Carolina held the ball for 37:17 compared to Clemson's 22:43. In addition, the Tigers have been outscored 124-54 the past four games, each game by double-digits. That being said it will be crucial not only for the Tigers to make stops on third down to end Carolina drives but to also be able to drive the ball against the Gamecocks. Although Clemson will need a few big plays and scoring strikes, being able to use some clock and move the ball will be huge down the stretch. Lastly, the Tigers must win the turnover battle. Conner Shaw has only thrown one interception this year...the Tigers have recorded a interception on defense in every game this year. Conner Shaw is the winningest QB in Gamecock history and had led his school to 17 straight wins at home. Clemson has the third longest road game winning streak in the nation. Something has to give Saturday night...who will rise the occasion? I have a hunch that it will be the supporting cast that plays a big role Saturday night...guys like Brandon Wilds/Nick Jones for South Carolina, and Mike Williams/Zac Brooks for Clemson could be the extra push that makes the difference.

Prediction: 

Overall I think this is the best team Clemson has had heading into game week against the Gamecocks in the past few years. I think the Tigers play much better than they have in recent past against South Carolina and give them all they can handle. However, things have just not came together overall when the Tigers have squared off against the Gamecocks. Clemson is a four point underdog Saturday night but that might be a good thing. Not many people are giving the Tigers the chance Saturday and that could be a motivating factor that plays into the Tigers favor. Boyd is the best QB in Clemson history. He has re-written the record books for Clemson. However, there is one thing he hasn't been able to do...beat Carolina. Fair or not, his legacy will be judged by the results of Saturday's game. I see this game as a true toss up but due to the past few years and with the game being played under the lights in Williams-Brice, its hard to pick against Shaw and the Gamecocks and the coaching advantage of Steve Spurrier. As much as it hurts, I think the streak extends to five straight. Shaw once again finds a way to get it done for his team, but it won't be easy. Prepare for a instant classic as we add another chapter to this great rivalry.

The Pick: South Carolina 31 Clemson 27



Other Predictions: 

#3 Ohio State over Michigan 

#8 Stanford over #25 Notre Dame

#13 Oregon over Oregon State 

#21 Texas A&M over #5 Missouri

#24 Duke over North Carolina 

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