CLEMSON, S.C. — South Carolina is playing with a ton of confidence following its 63-38 victory over then No. 5 Tennessee last week. But will that translate into Saturday’s game against No. 8 Clemson?

“Their quarterback looked really good. That is probably the best game he has played all year,” Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter said. “They looked explosive. They have a lot of good backs, good receivers, experience O-Line.

“They just looked like they were connecting on all levels. We are just going to try to put that to an end.”

Getting to South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler will be the key if the Tigers (10-1) want to beat the Gamecocks for a record-setting eighth straight year. Against the Volunteers, Rattler completed 30-of-37 passes for 438 yards and a school-record six touchdowns.

“I think it was just better execution. He looked very comfortable,” Carter said. “So, I think that is going to be an emphasis. Basically, just try to make it as stressful as we can because when he is comfortable, he is very dangerous. So, I think that is going to be an emphasis. Make him uncomfortable and see if we can get the ball out of his hands.”

If anyone can do it, it’s the Clemson defense. The Tigers have produced nine sacks in their last two games and 15 in their last four. After starting off the season slow, they are looking more and more like the defense everyone thought they might be at the beginning of the season.

Since the loss at Notre Dame, defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin told his players they were going to be more physical and more aggressive. The result has been back-to-back dominating performances in wins over Louisville and Miami.

As impressive as South Carolina’s offensive performance was against Tennessee, Clemson’s defensive effort against the Hurricanes was equally as impressive.

The Tigers held Miami to 98 total yards.

“Whatever plays he is calling, I am just like, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s get after them.’ Whatever that may be,” Carter said. “I have been loving everything about the play calling and all that stuff. It’s been great.”

Clemson and South Carolina (7-4) will kick off at noon on Saturday. The game will be televised on ABC.