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It's too bad that we're not ensured of getting this game on an annual basis. Despite the fact that it always leaves me somewhat conflicted as a South Carolina fan, it's one of the better college football interconference rivalries that's not played on a regular basis. So it's best to appreciate it while it's here.
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Both of these teams have some interesting questions to answer. In fact, both of them are breaking in relatively new starting quarterbacks after saying goodbye to one of the best quarterbacks in their respective histories. Hutson Mason is a little bit more experienced out of necessity, while Clint Stoudt is still something of an enigma even to those who follow the program. Mason will also have the advantage of playing in front of what could be a raucous home crowd.
The defenses, on the other hand, are largely known quantities. Clemson actually ranked 25th in terms of yards allowed last season, but displayed some cracks in the biggest games of the year, allowing 35 to Georgia, 31 to South Carolina and, most memorably, 51 points at home to Florida State. Georgia is actually better than you might remember, ranking 45th in total defense despite giving up at least 30 points in eight games. And there's some experience there after last year's unit was relatively young.
All of which probably sets the stage for the kind of game we've come to expect when these two play: There will be points, though it might not be a total barn-burner, and a close game is far more likely than not. The only thing that could get in the way of another classic is some looking ahead, given that both play their biggest conference games (South Carolina and Florida State) in two weeks. But it's hard to look too far past a rivalry this good.
Game Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN