Clemson players talk turkey... and South Carolina

Scott Keepfer
The Greenville News

CLEMSON – It didn’t take long for Clemson’s players to turn their focus to rival South Carolina.

In the aftermath of Saturday’s 61-3 romp against The Citadel, the 115th all-time match-up between the Tigers and Gamecocks dominated the conversation.

Clemson wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13)  scored against The Citadel during the 1st quarter on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium.

Although No. 2 Clemson (10-1) will be favored, Hunter Renfrow is anticipating getting the Gamecocks’ best shot.

“They’re definitely talented,” Clemson’s junior wide receiver said. “They are good enough to beat us. They’re a good team, and that’s something that growing up in South Carolina, I’ve always looked forward to.”

Renfrow, who’s from Myrtle Beach, remembers well the Tigers’ game at South Carolina in his freshman season. Clemson prevailed 37-32, but the top-ranked Tigers were pushed to the brink despite three touchdown runs and a touchdown pass from quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Clemson had to recover an onside kick attempt on the final play of the game to seal the victory against a 3-8 South Carolina team.

“I remember it being a lot closer than maybe it should have been,” Renfrow said. “It was close. It came down to an onside kick, and so for the guys that went down there and played, that is definitely in our minds, and we’re ready to go take care of business.”

This season the Gamecocks are 8-3 and although they have yet to defeat a ranked team this season, they’d love to make a highly ranked Clemson team their first and potentially play the role of spoiler to the Tigers’ College Football Playoff hopes.

Saturday’s game is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) looks to pass against The Citadel during the 1st quarter on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Clemson's Memorial Stadium.

“I’m an in-state kid and all of the in-state fans are going to be looking at this game no matter what side you’re on,” Clemson junior quarterback Kelly Bryant said. “Thanksgiving weekend, it’s Clemson and South Carolina. This is why we come here, to play in games like this.

“We’re going to be ready. We know it’s going to be a hostile environment down there, but we’ll be ready for the challenge.”

South Carolina won five consecutive games in the series from 2009 to 2013, but Clemson has rebounded to win each of the last three. The Tigers lead the all-time series 68-42-4.

“They had our number when I was in high school, and hearing a lot of smack talk from Carolina fans certainly keeps me motivated,” Renfrow said.