CLEMSON — The No. 12 Clemson Tigers need their offensive line to be as healthy as possible this week as they face a familiar opponent, the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Tigers’ (9-2) offensive line has seen its share of injuries recently. Starting left guard Marcus Tate has missed the last three games with an injury. Additionally, starting left tackle Tristan Leigh missed the majority of the last three games with an ankle sprain.

With the hits to the starting lineup, offensive line coach Matt Luke has had to make quick changes. Players like Harris Sewell and Elyjah Thurmon stepped up to fill Leigh and Tate’s roles in their absence, though Thurmon suffered a season-ending injury in his first start against Pitt.

Additionally, veterans like Blake Miller have moved positions to provide the Tigers the best chance to win. Miller moved from his usual place at right tackle to left tackle directly after Thurmon’s injury. 

When the time came for the switch, Miller was prepared.

“We had been able to practice it a little bit and practice worst case scenario prepping and that ended up happening, having to switch over,” he said. “I told Coach [Dabo] Swinney, if you need me to play center, guard, whatever it is, whatever it takes for the team to win, I’m here for it.”

Ahead of the South Carolina game, Miller looks to return to his regular position as Tate and Leigh are “trending in a good spot,” according to Swinney.

However, the linemen have their work cut out for them in their possible return.

The Gamecocks (8-3) have recorded 39 sacks this year and 81 tackles for loss. Edge rusher Kyle Kennard is the team leader in both stats, with 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss this year.

While Miller called Kennard and his defensive line “physically gifted” with “a lot of speed,” his priority is not Carolina’s strengths, but focusing on what he can control in the matchup.

“I think just preparing for them, continuing to break down what they do, continuing to hone our technique at tackle, I think that’s ultimately how we attack it,” the Strongsville, Ohio, native said.

Even though the Tigers are playing in a heated rivalry game with playoff implications, the goal remains the same for Miller.

“No matter who we’re playing, always trying to be the best version of me and get better every week is my focus,” the junior said.

Miller and the Tigers will take on the Gamecocks at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon on ESPN.