Matchup this weekend vs the taters

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One of the most meaningful and unique sporting weekends on the yearly Palmetto State calendar gets underway Friday (7 p.m., FOX Sports South) when No. 3 USC and bitter rival Clemson clash in the first of three emotionally charged games at Carolina Stadium.

Saturday, the two teams square off at Fluor Field in Greenville (2 p.m., local TV affiliates) before wrapping up the annual Palmetto State Tour, a conspicuous fabric of life here, Sunday afternoon at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

"Growing up in Columbia, I've been around the rivalry for 21 years now," USC catcher Grayson Greiner said Thursday. "Every time I get to strap it up and play against Clemson, it's a little more special for me. I honored to be a part of this rivalry. They have a great team and we have the utmost respect for those guys. We're looking forward to a fun weekend. The series is going to be rocking.'

Greiner, a graduate of Blythewood High School, is one of as many as six Palmetto State natives in USC's probable starting lineup, joining first baseman Kyle Martin (Greenville), third baseman/outfielder Joey Pankake (Easley), centerfielder Tanner English (Murrells Inlet), rightfielder Connor Bright (Mt. Pleasant) and DH Brison Celek (Charleston).

USC (7-0), one of three unbeaten teams remaining in the SEC along with Tennessee and Arkansas, opens conference competition in two weeks when it hosts Ole Miss in a three-game series starting March 14. But Holbrook recognizes that perhaps the three most important games USC is involved in this season unfold over the weekend. - See more at: LINK

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