South Carolina vs. Clemson has major College Football Playoff implications

One thing standing between South Carolina and the playoff is its longtime rival, the Clemson Tigers, who are the first team out of the 12-team playoff and need a win to put themselves in position for an at-large bid.

"The Palmetto Bowl" is what they call this game between the Gamecocks and Tigers. This rivalry has been dominated by Clemson over the last 10 years, with the Gamecocks having just two wins in the last 10 games.

That win was two seasons ago on the road at Clemson, and it snapped a 40-game home winning streak for Clemson. The Tigers returned the favor last season when they held South Carolina to just seven points in a 16-7 victory.

What exactly must both teams do to ensure they come out on top with a victory in this top 15 showdown? It's pretty simple.

For the Gamecocks, it all runs through redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers. After a shaky first month in college football, Sellers has turned a corner and has been playing very well.

Over his last five games, Sellers has 15 total touchdowns and just two interceptions. He has stepped up in the biggest moments, including a game-winning drive against Missouri just two weeks ago.

If Sellers can continue to take care of the ball and deliver in big moments, the Gamecocks have a real shot at defeating the Tigers.

For Clemson, it will come down to controlling the line of scrimmage and the ground game. 

The offensive line holding up and allowing quarterback Cade Klubnik to have time and make accurate throws will be a major factor in deciding Saturday's winner. 

South Carolina edge-rushers Kyle Kennard (11.5 sacks) and Dylan Stewart (6.5 sacks) have been game-wreckers on the defensive line all season long, and Clemson will need to figure out a way to slow them down.

Running back Phil Mafah has rushed for over 100 yards six times this season, and Clemson's record in those games is 5-1. Mafah having a good game will be huge for a potential Clemson victory.

Rivalry games always bring out the best in teams, and Saturday should be no different. Both teams will be fighting for their CFP lives, and the loser will go home thinking about what could've been. Expect an all-time classic in the 121st edition of The Palmetto Bowl.