Anyone who watches sports, even casually, has heard the oft-repeated analogy comparing a team with a losing record or disappointing season to a dangerous, wounded animal.

South Carolina looms as a dangerous opponent for unbeaten Clemson when the in-state rivals play next week at Williams-Brice Stadium.

If the Tigers take care of business at home Saturday against ACC doormat Wake Forest (3-7), they’ll probably take the No. 1 ranking in the major polls and from the College Football Playoff selection committee into Columbia to face a Gamecocks team with nothing to lose.

At that point, Clemson would be 11-0, looking ahead to a conference championship matchup against the ACC Coastal winner — likely North Carolina — and if the Tigers aren’t prepared for the Gamecocks they could have all their championship aspirations dashed. In a disappointing season, including quarterback problems and Steve Spurrier’s mid-season resignation, this game will be the Gamecocks’ Super Bowl.

The Gamecocks can afford to take chances against Clemson. They have dangerous playmakers in WR Pharoh Cooper and LB Skai Moore. They have nothing to lose by trying trick plays or going for it on fourth down.

For Clemson, playing an archrival with nothing to lose on the road shapes up as a possible nightmare. With everything on the line, the Tigers could press and make mistakes. If the Gamecocks take the lead or keep the game close, the home crowd will become a factor. Clemson might start playing not to lose rather than to win.

Though interim coach Shawn Elliott is unlikely to be picked as Spurrier’s successor, a victory over Clemson would boost his resume and perhaps help him land a head coaching job somewhere else.

Beating Clemson to end the regular-season would provide a boost for a struggling South Carolina program and invigorate boosters, giving them bragging rights for the sixth time seven years. If the Gamecocks beat The Citadel this weekend and follow with a victory over Clemson, they’ll gain momentum for next season.