Clemson will be without a key player for the remainder of the season, as head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Wednesday. The No. 12 Tigers (9-2) are currently just outside the College Football Playoff race and will face their in-state rivals, No. 15 South Carolina (8-3), this Saturday in a high-stakes matchup. Although the game is non-conference and doesn’t impact Clemson’s ACC Championship hopes, it could have significant playoff implications depending on the final week’s results.
The Tigers have already been dealing with several injuries on the offensive line, and the loss of senior Trent Howard further complicates their situation. Howard had been filling in at left tackle for Elyjah Thurmon, who suffered a season-ending foot injury earlier in the season. Howard sustained a torn ACL in practice this week, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. This marks another blow to Clemson’s already banged-up offensive line.
Clemson’s offensive line has been a key focus heading into the rivalry game, especially given South Carolina’s strong defensive front. The Gamecocks rank second in the SEC with 39 sacks this season, which poses a significant challenge for quarterback Cade Klubnik and the rest of Clemson’s offense. With key injuries at multiple positions on the offensive line, the Tigers will need to find new solutions to protect Klubnik and create opportunities for their offense.
In addition to Howard’s injury, the Tigers are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding the availability of left tackle Tristan Leigh and left guard Marcus Tate. Both players are listed as questionable for the South Carolina game, leaving Clemson’s offensive line even more depleted heading into this crucial matchup. The team will need to make adjustments quickly if they hope to perform at a high level against the Gamecocks.
Despite the injuries, Clemson remains a slight 3-point favorite for the game, which will be held at Death Valley with a noon ET kickoff. The Tigers’ ability to overcome these challenges will be critical in determining whether they can keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. With plenty on the line, this year’s Palmetto Bowl could serve as a pivotal moment in Clemson’s season, depending on how the final week of competition unfolds.
