They've tried their best to avoid comparisons, to avoid bragging, avoid any guarantees of broken tackles, chewed-up turf and defenders left in their dust.

But if you're James Davis and C.J. Spiller, how can you not be excited about facing South Carolina's run defense Saturday night?

Both Clemson tailbacks were tuned in Nov. 3, when Arkansas' dynamic duo of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones tore apart the Gamecocks' defense for 542 rushing yards in a 48-36 victory.

James Davis and Spiller aren't quite as heralded or productive as Darren McFadden and Jones, but they're almost backfield doppelgangers. James Davis is a powerful back, just like Darren McFadden, and Spiller has speed and elusiveness like Jones.

This offseason, Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence noticed the difference. He studied Arkansas' offense and swiped the Hogs' no-quarterback formations that send direct snaps to Darren McFadden or Jones, giving James Davis and Spiller similar leeway.

So are James Davis and Spiller excited? You bet.

"What our offense does now," James Davis said, "we think we should do pretty well against their defense."

The Gamecocks' defense enters Saturday staggering like a wounded prizefighter. They've given up 99 points in their past two games - Florida gashed them for 537 total yards and 51 points in Nov. 10's 51-31 win - and rank 102nd nationally in rush defense, allowing 208.9 yards per game.

USC has stingy pass defense, allowing only 163.2 yards per game, fourth-best nationally. But sophomore Captain Munnerlyn, their top cover corner, is out for the season with a broken foot.

Spiller draws confidence from Clemson's overall offensive balance. The Tigers average 255 yards per game through the air and 153 on the ground, a sharp contrast from last fall when the offense skewed heavily toward the ground game thanks to quarterback Will Proctor's inability to challenge defenses.

"I feel very confident," Spiller said. "Last year (USC) put a lot of people in the box because they knew we couldn't throw it. This year I don't think they're going to do that."

NOTED: Bowden maintained that he won't seek a medical redshirt for freshman quarterback Willy Korn (Byrnes) until season's end.

[More at www.goupstate.com]