Clemson is still in position to be favored in the rivalry game for a ninth season in a row, but the point spread has fallen a long way thanks to the Gamecocks’ upward trajectory. From 2015-22, Clemson was favored by at least 11.5 points in every meeting against South Carolina and 20 or more points on four occasions.

That is all to say this: Saturday’s matchup at Clemson is probably the most important South Carolina game in over a decade.