South Carolina Football: History of the Palmetto Bowl Rivalry With Clemson
By Ryan Fleming
THE MODERN ERA
The modern era of the Palmetto bowl has had some memorable games, and here are a few that stand out for various reasons.
1961 – The Prank
Two years after the Big Thursday series came to an end, 1961 saw a historic prank. Just over halfway through the season, the lookout was very bleak for both squads. With the Gamecocks’ record a pitiful 2-5 and Clemson only a single win better, only bragging rights were on the table.
50 fraternity members from South Carolina devised a mad scheme to avenge a lackluster season. South Carolina coach Marvin Bass had been convinced that the fraternity brothers of Sigma Nu had “good, clean fun” planned, so he thought little of the matter.
The frat boys acquired uniforms from nearby Orangeburg High School, which resembled those of Clemson. Meanwhile, they even acquired a sickly cow from a nearby farm which they planned to coronate as Clemson’s homecoming queen. However, the bovine passed away in the trailer on the way to Carolina Stadium (present-day Williams-Brice).
As the imposters took the field, the Clemson loyalists in the stands were oblivious. The Tiger band struck up the fight song. However, it was soon clear something was amiss. They began dropping passes, kicking the ball straight up in the air, and falling down as if impaired.
Several Tiger fans who recognized the stunt for what it was furiously made their way onto the field, and Gamecock fans flooded down to protect the fratboys. Security restored order as the fratboys retreated. Afterwards, the Gamecocks won 21-14.
1992 – Steve Tannyhill
In 1992, South Carolina’s inaugural season in the SEC, the Gamecocks defeated their arch nemesis in a 24-13 road game. South Carolina’s signal caller that rainy, muddy day was a feisty, mullet-sporting freshman named Steve Taneyhill.
The cocky first-year quarterback mock signed Clemson’s paw at the fifty yard line after long passes and swung his arms like a batter. No doubt, South Carolina hopes to replicate 24 years later with yet another freshman quarterback.
2004 – Brawling Gamecocks
2004’s edition of the Palmetto Bowl saw the latest brawl on the field. South Carolina’s quarterback fell to the ground after going for it on fourth down and long. The tacklers pinned him to the ground. Both benches cleared, and players threw punches and kicks.
No one was seriously injured, thankfully. However, Clemson’s Yussef Kelly kicked a helmetless Gamecock player in the head. That snapshot became the iconic image of the fight. The Tigers won that infamous game 24-7.