A look at the Clemson-USC football matchup by position

By Paul Strelow and Joseph Person - The (Columbia) State

COLUMBIA -- There isn't a line of South Carolina players and coaches waiting to exit. Nor is Clemson fighting for bowl eligibility as its coaching staff scratches to save its jobs.

Compared to the Tigers' 31-14 thumping of the Gamecocks in Death Valley last season, this year's contest is a portrait in stability

But there are still plenty of subplots. Can USC prevent C.J. Spiller from popping momentum-swinging plays — or posting a signature moment in his Heisman Trophy candidacy? Will the Tigers, having punched their ticket to next week's ACC championship game, be the same team that has won six straight?

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For once, the drama centers on the action on the field.

A look at how the teams stack up, position by position:

Quarterback

Clemson: If you had to peg Clemson's six-game win streak on one element, it would be Kyle Parker's maturation and development. During that span, he has completed 63.2 percent of his passes, thrown 14 touchdown to four interceptions and made the difference-making plays.

USC: He still holds on to the ball too long and takes unnecessary sacks, but Stephen Garcia has exceeded expectations in his first full season as a starter. Garcia has cut back on his turnovers and is the SEC's second-leading passer behind Arkansas' Ryan Mallett. And he has gotten up from a number of jarring hits that would have sent other quarterbacks to the sideline.

Edge: Even.

Running backs

Clemson: Heisman Trophy finalist or not, C.J. Spiller is one of the college game's most electrifying talents. Yet, Spiller's nagging turf toe has meant significant action for backups Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper, and Ellington in particular has proven a dynamic threat. Fullback Chad Diehl had a career day doling lead blocks out of the I-formation against USC last year.

USC: After bringing in a couple of new coaches to oversee a revamped running attack, the Gamecocks are back where they were the past two seasons — at the bottom of the SEC in rushing. The sacks have hurt the rushing numbers, but USC still lacks an elite tailback. Brian Maddox has reclaimed the starting job, but fans hope Byrnes senior Marcus Lattimore will be the back of the future.

Edge: Clemson.

Receivers/tight ends

Clemson: Jacoby Ford is the headliner, although he frequently is not used as a feature guy. In the clutch, the ball will go to reliable tight end Michael Palmer. There's not much depth, but the rotation is comprised of dependable pass-catchers and blockers.

USC: There is no true go-to receiver in the mold of Kenny McKinley or Sidney Rice, although freshman Alshon Jeffery has made a strong case to be that guy. The Gamecocks have quality depth in their receiving rotation, with five players with at least 24 catches. Tight end Weslye Saunders is a big weapon who has been underutilized much of the season.

Edge: USC.

Offensive line

Clemson: The knock on this group is that it still doesn't generate much push at the line of scrimmage. But it has steadily held its own in other regards, protecting Parker and executing assignments well enough to spring the backs for a bevy of big runs. LT Chris Hairston and LG Thomas Austin are the leaders.

USC: The fact that walk-on guard Garrett Chisolm joined the team after preseason camp and now is starting speaks to the mess first-year offensive line coach Eric Wolford inherited. The Gamecocks no longer get dominated along the line of scrimmage, but pass-blocking remains an issue. Garcia has been sacked an SEC-high 33 times.

Edge: Clemson.

Defensive line

Clemson: The front has accounted for 22 of the team's 33 sacks. Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp have the name recognition, but the Tigers have 10 players in the rotation. Arguably the strongest and deepest part of the team, but they can be overagressive.

USC: Injuries and suspensions have kept the line from developing much cohesion. USC lost one of its best run-stuffers when Travian Robertson went down with a knee injury, while defensive end Cliff Matthews looked like his shoulder was still bothering him against Florida. Coaches hope Clifton Geathers' huge game against the Gators was a breakthrough for a player with an NFL body.