GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: South Carolina’s offensive line (LT Dennis Daley, LG Zack Bailey, C Donell Stanley, RG Sadarius Hutcherson, RT Dylan Wonnum) faces a huge challenge against Clemson’s defensive front four. DEs Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant and DTs Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins were all considered first-round picks had they entered the NFL draft last year. They have been dominant throughout this season in holding opponents to just over 84 yards a game rushing and combining for 20 of Clemson’s 40 sacks.
DRAFT SLANT
–LG Zack Bailey (6-6, 315) is a veteran performer who has played both tackle and guard for the Gamecocks and even had three starts at center as a freshman in 2015. “Steady performer. You know every day what you’re going to get, every day on the practice field,” coach Will Muschamp said. “Tough, hard-nosed, physical, and has been a really good football player here for us at South Carolina. But, the consistency that Zack brings every day, to me, is what impresses you.” NFLdraftscout.com has Bailey listed as the No. 22 guard prospect.
ROSTER REPORT:
–CB Jaycee Horn left last week’s game against Chattanooga with an ankle injury in the first quarter but is expected to play against Clemson. He has started nine games with four at nickel back, recording 39 tackles and breaking up eight passes.
–DE Aaron Sterling has missed several games since injuring a knee against Ole Miss on Nov. 3 but Muschamp is “hopeful” that Sterling will be available for at least part-time duty against Clemson. Sterling has 15 tackles in eight games including three for loss.
–RB Rico Dowdle, who didn’t play last week against Chattanooga while nursing an ankle injury, should be available this week.
–RB Tyson Williams also be available after missing last week with a hand injury. Williams is still wearing a cast. “They have tried to cut it back a little to help him carry the ball better,” Muschamp said. “It’s been a little bit of an issue.”
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