This is always a tough week to have a “lock.” The rivalry games are always the most physical and usually the most difficult to predict.

For this week’s lock bet, I have to go with South Carolina over the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers are favored in this game, which is kind of surprising. The Gamecocks have had the Tigers’ number for the last five years, as we’ve beaten them convincingly in each game.

This game will be played in Clemson in Death Valley Jr. That’s right Clemson, you don’t have the real Death Valley.

Dylan Thompson has already played and won at Memorial Stadium and played very well. The Gamecocks offense has been just about the only bright spot on this team. Although the defense has improved, it still isn’t all that great. Look for Pharaoh Cooper to be involved often and early, as coach Steve Spurrier always gets his best playmakers “special ball plays.”

Clemson’s defense is its strong suit. The defensive line to be exact. If the Gamecocks offensive line can protect Thompson and open up running lanes for Brandon Wilds and Mike Davis, this game could get out of hand early.

I played there in 2010 and after we jumped up on them early, the fans were completely deflated. As I’ve always said, there’s not a better feeling that going on the road and shutting up the home fans. Especially your arch rivals.

If the Thompson and the Gamecocks offense can jump out and get an early lead against Clemson, I think they’ll run away with this game. They will need to force Cole Stoudt to throw the ball and that’s not really what the Tigers want to do. His confidence is rattled, when he threw 3 picks, 2 of which were returned for touchdowns, against Georgia Tech.

I really can’t wait for this game because the Clemson Tigers faithful seems to think that this is the year that they end the streak. I think Dylan plays great and the Gamecocks offense jumps out to an early lead and takes the crowd out of the game. The defense will shut down the Tigers offense after forcing the Tigers to play catch up.