SHOWDOWN AT HIGH NOON

The big one in South Carolina takes place today at high noon in Clemson.

The South Carolina Gamecocks will face their cross-state rivals the Clemson Tigers for bragging rights.

South Carolina goes into today's showdown with a 7-4 record and with a golden opportunity to go 8-4 with a win over Clemson. This would be the Gamecocks' best showing in recent years.

Clemson goes into the game with a 6-5 record and an opportunity to place themselves in a strong position for a bowl game invitation if they beat South Carolina today.

South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier will use senior Chris Smelley as starting quarterback today. Spurrier said he hopes that Smelley can play in the entire game. This will be Smelley's last regular season game as a college quarterback.

Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney was asked if his chances of becoming permanent head coach is riding on a win over South Carlina. Swinney said he had not been informed of any such thing and that his only goal is to beat the Gamecocks and emerge from today's game with yet another year of bragging rights.

There is no doubt, however, that Swinney's chances would be greatly enhanced by a win. Clemson has been interviewing potential permanent head coaches from around the country.