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 

Keeping The Dream Alive

For those of you that know me personally, you know that since high school I knew I wanted to become a sports journalist and one day make my way to ESPN. However, other than a few internships here and there along with just writing for fun and having friends and family read my "articles" I hadn't really taken that next step to make my dreams a reality. In May of 2012, I decided I would start this blog. At first I wasn't sure how I wanted to organize it, how often I would post and what content it would include. I've discussed just about everything at some point or another...NFL, NBA, Golf, Tennis, MLB, and College Baseball. However, nothing has been more fun than writing about college football and more specifically, my Clemson Tigers. Its now been a year and 6 months since this blog was born and I can honestly say its been one of the best choices I've ever made. 

Things started off slow with only a few views a week, mainly from friends and family via a link on Facebook. Not too long after I got the blog up and running I decided to start a twitter account  (@CHallSportsTalk) which would be, unofficially, linked to my blog where I would tweet about sports, converse with other "sports geeks" and media outlets to help build my network and simply learn from others and become a better writer. Little by little, I got better and started posting more often and drawing larger audiences. 

The past year has been simply amazing. Thanks to my blog I've made my way onto the radio three times with two different stations, been offered a few jobs with various sports media outlets and I have readers all over the globe including Russia, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea,
Indonesia, Lativa, and Pakistan. Also, one of my tweets made collegespun.com 's "Top 10 college football tweets of the day" list last November.

At the beginning of this season, I set out a goal to double by page view number and surpass 5,000 views on my blog before the end of the football season. Today I'm thrilled to announce I have met that goal. I want to say thank YOU, the reader for viewing my material week in and week out and giving me feedback and motivation to keep this dream alive. I down play it a lot in face-to-face conversation but nothing makes my day and sometimes even entire week, more than hearing someone tell me they enjoy reading my blog, or strike up a conversation about football or even ask for my thoughts about upcoming games. The support I've received has been unreal at times. 

I hope to keep this thing going strong as long as I can and continue to provide quality content that you guys (and girls) enjoy reading. Its your support, kind gestures and comments that have kept not only this blog but this dream alive. I truly feel like this is what I'm supposed to do and pray I continue to grow as a writer and a person overall. In closing, I again just want to thank all of you for reading and hopefully I can continue to build my audience and keep you guys interested in what I have to say. Its been a fun ride this past year and six months and I'm looking forward to the future and where this dream takes me. One thing is for sure, if and when I make it big...you guys will be the first to hear about it. Thanks again and of course...Go Tigers! 

Week 12 Predictions

November To Remember

With college football kicking off on Tuesday night, fans were blessed with the chance to watch football Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday last week. It was rather nice if I do say so myself. The big news out of the earlier played games came from out west as #5 Stanford knocked off #2 Oregon 26-20 giving them their second straight win over the Ducks. Baylor took on Oklahoma that same night but had no trouble with the Sooners dominating them by a score of 41-12. That is a 29 point margin of victory over the former #10 team in the nation.  Very impressive! If Baylor was to win out and somehow Alabama or Florida State trip up, Baylor would be right in the mix for a chance to play for a BCS title. The Bears host a 7-3 Texas Tech squad Saturday night in Arlington. Vanderbilt pulled the big upset of the day blowing out Florida in the Swamp and ruining the Gators homecoming festivities, 34-17. Texas A&M survived a shootout with Mississippi State 51-41. Neyland Stadium couldn't slow down Auburn and the Tigers got it done on the road. Over in the ACC, the Coastal division is a mess and Florida State continues to dominate anything that crosses its path. With just a few weeks left in the regular season its now or never for teams to make that final push and make a statement. Its not about how you start but its how you finish....its time to make this November something to remember. I've rambled on enough....lets get to business. 

#23 Miami @ Duke 

Duke is 7-2...let that sink in. If the Blue Devils can knock off the Hurricanes this weekend, they could find themselves making a trip to Charlotte next month to battle FSU for the ACC Championship. Miami is coming off not one but two blowout losses after falling to Logan Thomas and the Hokies last Saturday. Georgia Tech is 1st place in the division but with a road trip to Clemson Thursday night, the opportunity to make a move towards the top of the division is on the table for Duke, Miami and Virginia Tech. I'm gonna put something down in writing I thought I would never say, BUT I'm jumping on the Blue Devil bandwagon. Make it three straight losses for the Canes and give the ACC Coach of the Year trophy to Mr. Cutcliffe for a job well done this year. 

The Pick: Duke

#10 South Carolina vs Florida

The wheels have fallen off in Gainesville. Florida looked like it was a force earlier in the season but a pile of injuries has made life very difficult in Gator country. Things got much worse after Saturday's debacle at home against Vanderbilt. A night game in Columbia with SEC-East title dreams hanging in the balance? Against the Ole Ball Coach's former team? Hard to pick against the Gamecocks, considering the situation. You know Williams Brice will be rocking. NOT SO FAST though....I'm picking South Carolina but they can't come out flat and overlook the struggling Gators. Florida has nothing to lose, and that makes them dangerous regardless of how they have played the past few weeks. 

The Pick: South Carolina 

#7 Auburn vs #25 Georgia 

Another classic SEC showdown between these two rivals. Auburn has had a great turnaround this year and have positioned themselves for a crash-course showdown with rival Alabama to conclude the regular season that will have BCS title implications. Auburn's only loss this year came against LSU back on September 21st. Georgia still has life in the SEC despite its roller-coaster season and a win would not only shake up the BCS picture but make things even more interesting in the East division. Its going to be tough for the Bulldogs to go on the road and pick up the win, but I think they find a way. Yupp, I'm calling for the upset!! 

The Pick: Georgia 

#8 Clemson vs Georgia Tech

We have Thursday night football in Clemson for the first time in over a decade. Not to dismiss the Citadel next week but this will be the Tigers last "real" home game and Boyd's last time playing under the lights in Death Valley. The Tigers have responded well since their woodshed beating from the Seminoles and are as healthy as they've been all season and are playing well at the right time. This rivalry is always an interesting showdown. 12 of the last 18 games have been decided by five points or less including a 6 game streak between 1996-01 when every single game was decided by exactly three points. Defending the option is never an easy task and Clemson will have to play good assignment football every single snap to avoid giving up big plays and keep the yellow jackets in front of them. Do your job and stick to your assignment and the rest should fall into place. I think the defense will rise to the occasion at home and take care of business and the offense does its part as well. Not to mention a prime-time crowd under the lights...Tigers roll. 

The Pick: Clemson 

Other Predictions:

#12 Oklahoma State over #24 Texas

#1 Alabama over Mississippi State 

#2 Florida State over Syracuse 

Virginia Tech over Maryland 

#5 Baylor over Texas Tech