What better way to end the 2024 season than with the annual rivalry game for bragging rights in the Palmetto State.
After facing in-state foe The Citadel the week before, Clemson stays in town to take on rival South Carolina to end the season.
After a defensive showing by the Tigers in last year’s win in Columbia, Clemson hopes to beat the Gamecocks for a ninth time in the last 10 meetings when they meet up in Death Valley on Nov. 30.
South Carolina’s 2023 season differed from what they had hoped, losing to every ranked opponent its faced, which resulted into a 5-7 overall record. A display of inconsistency on the offense, especially the offensive line, and poor displays from the defense allowed for a sub-par year.
However, not all is gone. Head coach Shane Beamer has a firm grip on the program and is determined to rise out of their hole. The question is, can they do it?
OFFENSE
With the departure of Spencer Rattler to the NFL, the question at quarterback needs to be answered, and there are quite a few options. Redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers will be given the keys to the starting role, while Pitt transfer Davis Beville and former Auburn starter Robby Ashford will sit close behind.
After a 700-yard campaign from Mario Anderson at running back last year, the keys to the rushing attack are being handed to Arkansas transfer Raheim Sanders, who is coming back from an injury last year. North Texas transfer Oscar Adaway will join him in the backfield.
The offensive line was a major issue, but the transfer portal helped in making it more secure. A line that was flooded with injuries in 2023, the Gamecocks are confident in their abilities with the men they have, as long as they stay healthy. Senior center Vershon Lee and graduate guard Jakai Moore lead a group of younger guys in an attempt to form a more secure line.
Not as many options at receiver, but talent still remains. Nick Harbor (6-foot-5) will see a lot of attention, while transfers Dalevon Campbell (Nevada) and Vandrevius Jacobs (Florida State) will aid him within the unit. Tight ends Brady Hunt and Joshua Simon will be the main men at their position.
DEFENSE
After switching from a 4-2-5 to a 3-3-5 midseason in 2023, defensive coordinator Clayton White is sticking with the 3-3-5 as a base and managing and developing his players into it.
Last year’s team leader in tackles, Debo Williams, will lead the linebackers alongside Bam Martin-Scott and Charlotte transfer Demetrius Knight, forming a talented group with hopes of all putting in the work.
The defensive line was not good at stopping the run last year, but Beamer sought out to fix that. With junior T.J. Sanders at defensive tackle and Alex Huntly and Tonka Hemingway in rotation, transfers Gilber Edmond (Florida State) and Kyle Kennard (Georgia Tech) will boost the edges nicely.
A talented secondary exists on the squad, with guys like Jalen Kilgore, DQ Smith, Nick Emmanwori, and O’Donnell Fortune keeping a solid lockdown in the back.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Out with the old, as former coordinator Pete Lambo departed for a coaching job at Buffalo. Now, Joe DeCamillis takes the reins of the unit, and gets to work with Kai Kroeger at punter while a new kicker to replace Mitch Jeter is in the works. Senior Alex Herrera and junior William Joyce are two names to keep an eye on.
OVERVIEW
The Gamecocks are looking for more in 2024, but it will take a lot to get it, especially with the changes implemented since last season and a tough schedule.
South Carolina faces four games against ranked opponents. Facing teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, Missouri, LSU, and Oklahoma isn’t ideal for a team seeking to bounce back.
With so many departures on all sides of the ball, the Gamecocks will look for greater consistency. However, it might prove to be a a tall task.
Clemson holds a massive overall lead against South Carolina, with a 73-43-1 record since 1896. Can the Tigers make it nine wins in the last 10 years against the Gamecocks? We shall see.
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