Braggin' Rights Barometer

Clemson 28 / South Carolina 21

The way it works

The user-friendly BRB predicts what to expect from a hypothetical Clemson-South Carolina game every week leading up to the actual game on Nov.

28 in Columbia. Tools usually include computers and guessing.

The set-up

The Tigers can take one giant leap for Clemson Nation with a victory over the Florida State wing of the Bowden family, but the Seminoles gradually have improved. And wouldn’t ol’ Bobby, for various reasons — bowl credibility, family pride, job security — like to win in Death Valley. South Carolina actually outgained Tennessee in its 31-13 loss. But a team cannot have four turnovers, rush for a mere 65 yards and survive in a Southeastern Conference game. At least Arkansas won’t wear black jerseys. Well, probably not. They wouldn’t, would they?

The vibe

The Gamecocks will lose out if they lose Saturday in Fayetteville. Oh, the bad memories of 2007. The Arkansas trip. Darren McFadden. The slide out of bowl consideration … This is a better South Carolina team overall than the one two years ago but fatigue is getting to be an issue with a defense still lacking depth. Some of the most encouraging aspects of Clemson’s three-game win streak are in the comments just after games. Immediately post-Miami, players were talking about not letting up against Coastal Carolina. Right after drubbing the Chanticleers, coaches and players were upset about the slow start and the late field goal allowed.

Previous scores

Last week: Clemson 27, USC 24

Oct. 5: USC 24, Clemson 23

Oct. 12: USC 20, Clemson 13

Oct. 5: USC 21, Clemson 13

Sept. 28: USC 16, Clemson 10

Sept. 21: Clemson 18, USCa 14

Sept. 14: Clemson 31, USC 30

Sept. 7: Clemson 21, USC 16

Aug. 31: Clemson 24, USC 14