Clemson is coming off of a much-needed win in what was as close to a must-win situation as you can get this early in the season. In thrashing Wake Forest, Clemson’s defense turned in a dominant performance, while the Tiger offense looked balanced and poised and finally looked polished. South Carolina made a respectable showing against a powerful Alabama team, and despite the loss, looks capable of avoiding a season-ending collapse. In order to do that, though, the Gamecocks need to follow up the physically draining loss in Tuscaloosa by exorcising the demons they’ve encountered against Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt at South Carolina

The last time Vanderbilt rolled into Williams-Brice Stadium, the Gamecocks were ranked No. 6 and looked like a program that had turned the corner. But the Commodores shocked the Gamecocks that day, and sent them into a late-season spiral resulting in six straight losses. This year, the Gamecocks are out to prove to themselves they can put Vanderbilt’s two-game winning streak against USC to an end. A loss here to Vanderbilt would drop South Carolina from the polls, and only confirm suspicions that the Gamecocks’ hopes of finishing in the upper echelon of the SEC East was the annual installment of empty confection in Columbia.

When Vanderbilt has the ball

The good news for South Carolina is that this is not the same caliber offense it has faced the past two years. While the Commodores do seem to have a legit running game, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt, they lack a downfield passing game that can keep a good defense honest. Quarterback Larry Smith has thrown only three touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions and completing less than half of his passes. Smith will find himself under intense pressure from Eric Norwood and company, while his receivers will be smothered by the Gamecocks’ talented secondary, leading to two or more interceptions.

When South Carolina has the ball

Quarterback Stephen Garcia may be a tad gimpy after taking numerous hits against Alabama, and his knee obviously bothered him late in that game. I’d expect Steve Spurrier’s offense to get a lead early and turn to the running game to both run clock and also protect Garcia from any pass rush. An injured Garcia kills the rest of the Gamecocks’ season.

What will happen

Garcia will throw for two first-half touchdowns and the Gamecocks will use turnovers and a commitment to the running game in the second half to overcome a respectable Commodore performance. South Carolina wins by double digits.

South Carolina 28

Vanderbilt 14

Clemson at Miami

Clemson took a step in the right direction with its demolition of Wake Forest at home, but the Tigers have both an incredible challenge and an enormous opportunity to take a possibly program-changing leap when they play Miami in Coral Gables. Miami represents the most athletic team the Tigers have faced all year, and it will take a complete performance on both sides of the ball for them to beat the Hurricanes on their homecoming.

When Miami has the ball

Quarterback Jacory Harris is other-worldly when he has time to throw the ball. Pressure him, though, and you have a shot to put a dent in offensive coordinator Mark Whipple’s gameplan. That’s easier said than done against a massive offensive line featuring three players at 6’7’’, and not a single member of the front five weighing less than 310 pounds. Damien Berry is a serious threat at running back running behind that line, while Travis Benjamin is a burner at wide receiver who provides a serious downfield threat. Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele must mix in some zone blitzes along with his man coverage, and also get some significant pressure from his front four in order to mess with the youngster Harris’ head. Ends Ricky Sapp and Da’Quan Bowers will be going up against tall, long offensive tackles with tremendous reach, but this is the same line that gave up six sacks against lowly Central Florida a week ago. Still, this game looks like it could be won in the trenches.

When Clemson has the ball

The Tigers should continue to implement more tight-end-heavy formations to provide Kyle Parker more receiving options while also helping the running game by keeping the linebackers and safety more honest. You can bet offensive coordinator Billy Napier has a few tricks up his sleeve to get playmakers C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford the ball, but the truth is, Clemson’s success on offense will be dictated by three things: offensive line production, secondary receiving threats and Parker’s poise. Against a confident, speedy Miami defense, this will be Clemson’s toughest offensive assignment since they played TCU in a monsoon a month ago, and will therefore provide a barometer of just how far the staff and players have come on that side of the ball.

What will happen

Clemson has not won a game on the road yet, and this doesn’t look like their best shot to change that. Don’t expect a dynamic offensive performance by the ‘Canes, but do expect the Clemson defense to be on the field way too much. Miami scores a late touchdown to put the game away.

Miami 24

Clemson 14