CLEMSON, S.C. _ Clemson coach Dabo Swinney did his best to compliment South Carolina's offense when previewing the rivalry matchup this week. He took a unique angle in doing so.
"They're doing a lot of different things on offense, so it creates a strain on you because it's really hard to kind of know what their identity is," Swinney said. "I think they've had to find ways from week to week as they've had some injuries and things like that, to move the ball."
USC has under-performed all year on the offensive side of the ball as the Gamecocks have struggled to a 4-7 record entering this weekend's season finale against Clemson.
No matter the reason, the fact that South Carolina enters its final game and the opposing coach doesn't know the offense's identity is not an ideal spot for the Gamecocks.
"I think injuries have been a factor for them, obviously," Swinney said.
Indeed, South Carolina lost starting quarterback Jake Bentley for the season in the opener against North Carolina, and the Gamecocks were never able to find consistency on offense.
True freshman Ryan Hilinski took over in Bentley's place and has had an up-and-down freshman campaign.
"I'm really impressed with their quarterback," Swinney said. "I think he's going to be a very good player for them. He can throw the football. He makes a lot of very accurate throws. He's got the ability to push the ball down the field. He's a big kid. He's a freshman, kind of getting thrown in there this year. But he's a tough, tough young man and I think a guy that's got a bright future for sure."
Hilinski has battled injuries himself and is completing 58% of his passes on the year. The California native has passed for 2,252 yards, with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions this season.
The numbers are solid for a freshman but well behind the stats Bentley put up last season in his junior year.
"Obviously they lost their starting quarterback the very first game, so they've got a true freshman walking out there that I don't think they were planning on at the beginning," Swinney said. "There's always some challenges there. But I really think he's done a good job. I think he's gotten better and better and better."
The fact that South Carolina has been banged up around Hilinski hasn't helped things. USC's top two running backs in Rico Dowdle and Tavien Feaster have each missed games, as have starting receivers Bryan Edwards, Shi Smith and Josh Vann. South Carolina has also had some injuries up front.
The result: The Gamecocks are ranked No. 99 nationally in scoring offense as they prepare to face the best defense they have all season in Clemson.
"They've done some good things and are very multiple with what they do. And they create a lot of problems," Swinney said. "I think just the biggest thing is some youth, some inexperience. ... But they've got some talent."
