College Football Game of the Year 11/22!

+7353 Year-to-date..........

College Football: (29-19-1 ATS +1709 YTD)

10* CLEMSON TIGERS +1 -105

Analysis:

As many of you know, I am a die-hard South Carolina fan, and proud graduate. I have had season tickets for over 20 years, and go to 8-10 games a year (home and away). I know this team, and I know this series. I am 5-1 ATS this year playing on or against South Carolina. This play is automatic for me, by the book, so to speak.

This series is owned by the visitor! Every year I always give a strong look to the road team, especially when Clemson plays @ SC. The road team is 18-5 ATS since 1980 in this series. Clemson is 9-2 SU over that span in Columbia, covering even in their 2001 loss as a 5.5 point dog.

Clemson is playing with confidence, and SC is not. The Clemson offense is clicking, and SC "O" has generated just 2 TDs in the past 2 games. The return of freshman RB Summers should give SC a boost, but they are not efficient on offense, and appear unorganized too often.

SC refuses to throw "skinny post" patterns to their tall and athletic receivers, a key to their productivity in 2000 and 2001. They also refuse to throw the deep ball to Soph WR Troy Williamson, an absolute stud! Last year they they completed a 70 YD TD pass to Williamson in Clemson. This year they hit him on a 99 yd TD vs. Virginia. Since then, he has been invisible.

SC's formations and play calling in the red zone are predictable, and inject little fear into the opposition. The last time I saw this team play with an "aggressive" offensive game plan was @ Knoxville vs. Tennessee (lost 23-20 in OT).

Clemson QB Whitehurst appears much more confident than earlier in the year, and he has a cast of very talented WRs. Effective passing game will allow for Clemson rushing attack to be efficient. Also look for a "loose" approach in the Clemson gameplan, with a trick play or two coming from Bowden. Clemson will let it rip, and the Cocks will play "tight" on both sides of the ball.

This is a game where Holtz "bend but don't break" philosophy will hurt. Personally, I believe in blitzing on 3rd and 8 or longer, (because of the number of adjustments required by the offense to convert) but SC refuses to do this. When Clemson begins to win the battles of field position, yardage, and points things become even more difficult for the SC offense. SC is not a team well equipped to rally when they get behind.

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden appears to have saved his job, after huge win over Florida State. Holtz is feeling the pressure, and it shows in this Gamecock team. Holtz is now 0-8 seeking a "bowl eligible" 6th win over the last 2 seasons. Last year SC was 5-2, and lost 5 straight to end the season. This year SC was 5-3, and has dropped 3 straight heading into this game.

I expect an electric atmosphere for this prime time (7:00 PM) ESPN 2 affair, and I will be at the game. I would love nothing more than a South Carolina win, but my heart and my $ are two different beasts. Until I see otherwise, Clemson is the play in this situation.........

Clemson 27-16