Clemson vs. South Carolina Prediction: Rivalry stakes have never been higher

South Carolina faces Clemson at noon.Saturday promises to dawn bright and cold, and thousands of college football fans from across the state and beyond will gather to watch one of the most important games in the history of the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina.

The nation will also be watching.

Clemson is ranked 12th in the College Football Playoff rankings, meaning both teams have a path to the new 12-team playoff. No. 15 South Carolina’s path is a little more convoluted and probably not possible, but a Clemson win places the Tigers in a fantastic spot.

And, regardless of what happens between the rivals, the Tigers will turn their attention to what happens between Miami and Syracuse.…