Greg McElroy previews, predicts the winner of the Palmetto Bowl
Greg McElroy is one of many who will be keeping an eye on the Rivalry Week matchup between No. 15 South Carolina and No. 12 Clemson, perhaps better known simply as the Palmetto Bowl.
It could be a close one, with Clemson favored by 2.5 points at home (via DraftKings). It’s the first time the two teams have faced each other in an AP-ranked matchup since 2013.
The offensive line could be an issue for Clemson due to injury issues, and quarterback Cade Klubnik’s mobility could be a big factor going up against a tough and highly aggressive South Carolina defensive front.
“Cade Klubnik’s pressure numbers are like everyone else,” McElroy said this week on the Always College Football podcast. “They aren’t great. When he’s not pressured, he’s really good. When he is pressured, he’s not very good. So is everybody… one key for him might be his legs.”
Stopping the run on Clemson’s end is going to be equally as important in this one. With a player that runs QB power like LaNorris Sellers does, there’s a huge challenge for the Tigers. On top of that, there’s the soft run defense Clemson has presented against a large range of opponents.
“Clemson’s defense has not been very good this year against the run, relatively speaking,” McElroy said. “They’re giving up 4 yards per carry, Louisville gashed them, and most recently, The Citadel gashed them.”
McElroy took South Carolina for the upset, claiming the Tigers haven’t seen anything quite like what they’ll see against the Gamecocks.
Clemson and South Carolina are set to kick off at noon ET in Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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