The 2025 Palmetto Bowl is here, and despite both teams entering with disappointing records, this rivalry game carries all the weight of tradition, pride, and postseason implications that make college football's most heated matchups unforgettable. South Carolina (4-7) hosts Clemson (6-5) on Saturday at noon ET from Williams-Brice Stadium, with the Gamecocks favored by 2.5 points in what oddsmakers are essentially calling a toss-up.
A Season of Unfulfilled Expectations
Both programs entered 2025 with College Football Playoff aspirations. South Carolina was ranked 13th in the preseason, while Clemson sat inside the top five at 4th. Neither team delivered on those lofty expectations, but that's precisely what makes this rivalry so compelling—records don't matter when these two schools take the field against each other.
For South Carolina, this is the final game of their season, a chance to salvage some dignity from a disappointing campaign. Clemson, meanwhile, still has one more game on the schedule after today, giving them a slight advantage in terms of momentum and focus. The Tigers have won three consecutive games heading into this matchup, while the Gamecocks are looking to end their season on a high note.
The Historical Context
Clemson leads the all-time series 73-44-4, but South Carolina has won two of the last three meetings, keeping this rivalry competitive and unpredictable. Home field advantage typically accounts for about 3 points in college football, so the 2.5-point spread essentially makes this a pick-em game despite South Carolina's home-field edge.
Betting the Under
The over/under is set at 46.5 total points, and the SportsLine Projection Model is leaning heavily toward the Under. Both teams have struggled offensively this season, combining for a 9-13 record to the Under side of the total. In their last five meetings, these teams have combined for more than 41 points just once, and three of Clemson's four road games have gone Under this season. The model projects just 41 combined points in this matchup, with the Under hitting well over
60% of the time.
The Odds and Predictions
| Metric | Details |
|--------|---------|
|
Spread | South Carolina -2.5 |
|
Total | 46.5 |
|
Money Line | South Carolina -140 / Clemson +118 |
|
Kickoff | Saturday, Noon ET |
|
Location | Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia |
|
Broadcast | ESPN |
South Carolina enters as the 2.5-point favorite, a nod to the home-field energy and the belief that this group has one more statement win in them before the Beamer era turns the page toward 2026. However, Clemson's three-game winning streak and recent momentum make them a dangerous opponent, regardless of their record.
What's Really at Stake
While neither team is headed to the College Football Playoff, this game carries immense weight for both programs. For South Carolina, it's a chance to prove they can still compete with their arch-rival despite a disappointing season. For Clemson, it's an opportunity to end the regular season strong and carry that momentum into whatever bowl game awaits them.
This rivalry has a way of wiping the slate clean in a single afternoon, and that's exactly what makes the Palmetto Bowl so special. Records don't matter. Rankings don't matter. What matters is pride, bragging rights, and the chance to prove your program belongs in this rivalry.
Kickoff is at noon ET, and you can stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
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ESPN - Clemson vs. South Carolina Live Score**
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