Could someone such as Clemson rise up and be the big surprise? (Aaron Fitt)

Fitt: Clemson Couples Poise With Talent

CLEMSON, S.C. — Friday had to feel a little familiar for Clemson. The Tigers took a commanding lead in the early innings—just as they did last year in the series opener against rival South Carolina. In 2014, the Gamecocks stormed back from a 6-1 deficit to win the Friday game, then staged a furious ninth-inning rally Sunday to sweep the series.

This time around, the Gamecocks fell behind 8-0 after three innings, and once again they chipped away, cutting the deficit to 8-4 in the fifth. South Carolina had the bases loaded with one out in that frame[…]