Clemson vs. South Carolina: Head to Head

Quarterback

Clemson's Kyle Parker and South Carolina's Stephen Garcia have done some great things in their first real experience as No. 1 QBs. Garcia has about 600 more yards and 75 or so more attempts. He's also used his feet well this year, despite being sacked an SEC-high 33 times. But when USC defensive head coach Ellis Johnson says Parker has made more of a difference to the Tigers than even C.J. Spiller, we're listening.

Running back

Johnson says he's more impressed by this backfield (made up of Spiller, Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper) than he was a year ago, when James Davis was a part of things. It wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Ellington or Harper break a long one; don't just presume it will be Spiller. Spiller's speed on the edge, of course, is what makes him so dangerous. USC has been better in the run game, but it couldn't be any worse than a year ago.

Wide receiver

This was an unproven position for both teams entering the year. USC found a weapon in Alshon Jeffery. Tori Gurley and Jason Barnes have been steady at varying points this season. The only disappointment? Tight end Weslye Saunders hasn't been a big factor. For the Tigers, tight end has become a nice safety blanket for Parker. Michael Palmer has emerged. And then there's the Tigers' speed of Jacoby Ford and Spiller.

Offensive line

Eric Wolford had more work cut out for himself than he probably even knew. USC's first-year line coach has seen a lot of the same struggles that characterized John Hunt's stay. Garcia gets credit for some of them, but giving up 33 sacks is horrific. Meanwhile, the Tigers have allowed a respectable 17 sacks. Parker's had a fair amount of time when he's needed it. Getting left tackle Chris Hairston back a few weeks ago was a serious boost.

Defensive line

The week off helped the Gamecocks heal, in particular, at this spot. Cliff Matthews (shoulder) should be fully healthy, creating a tough assignment. Devin Taylor (chest) should be ready to go, as well. Clifton Geathers has been improving. The Gamecocks' tackles, Ladi Ajiboye and Nate Pepper, have been playing well. Clemson's Ricky Sapp has had a field day in this game before. The Tigers are still waiting to see Da'Quan Bowers' best.

Linebackers

Brandon Maye has really come into his own as a sophomore. He's on the way to a truly terrific career. Tigers are also getting great production out of Kavell Conner. It's the final home game of Eric Norwood's banner career. He'll move around quite a bit, but he's never too far away from the ball. Shaq Wilson's done his best, but the Gamecocks have missed middle linebacker Rodney Paulk. Any team with Norwood gets the nod.

Defensive backs

The secondaries aren't separated by much in passing defense, but the real difference is in takeaways. Led by the DBs, Clemson has 20 interceptions to USC's five. DeAndre McDaniel has eight picks by himself, second in the FBS. Can Clemson get to Garcia? The gap between these defensive backfields isn't too big, though. Stephon Gil-more is a star in the making. Look for the best from upperclassmen such as Chris Culliver and Darian Stewart.

Special teams

Spiller's success in the return game has been offset by Clemson's struggles in the kicking game. Richard Jackson got himself together a bit last week against Virginia. USC's Spencer Lanning has been one of the bigger surprises in the country, connecting on 15 of 17 field goals. In the end, the Gamecocks have too many young guys on coverage teams. That's why guys like Spiller have had so much success all year against them.