South Carolina Football: Top-5 Gamecock moments from modern Carolina-Clemson rivalry
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football vs. Clemson Top Rivalry Moments:
No. 2 Meet at the Paw
One of the biggest differences between the ACC and SEC in terms of gameday experiences is that the SEC does not allow fans to come onto the playing field (or court) after games. It falls into the category of a “safety issue” for the SEC, so schools are fined for infractions. Clemson, as an ACC team, does not restrict this and, instead, encourages fans to “meet at the paw” after games.
Last November, South Carolina football fans took advantage of the ACC’s laxness.
Clemson entered the game as a 2-touchdown favorite and had their eyes set on the College Football Playoff. A win over South Carolina in the rivalry game and a win over North Carolina in the ACC Championship, and the Tigers would have made another CFP.
The Gamecocks came into the game after knocking off Playoff-hopeful Tennessee in dominant fashion 63-38, so Clemson wasn’t taking their rival lightly.
Even so, on the backs of standout performances from Spencer Rattler, Juice Wells, Kai Kroeger, the kick coverage units, and the Gamecock secondary, USC pulled off the road victory.
The 31-30 win had several critical moments. A Marcellas Dial interception, a long touchdown to Juice Wells, and two special teams fumble recoveries were the biggest of these moments.
However, arguably the most memorable moment came after the final whistle.
The Gamecock Faithful who traveled to the Upstate for the game took Clemson’s tradition into their own hands. South Carolina football fans met at the midfield Tiger paw, waving garnet and black flags, chanting “Beamer Ball” (among other things), and quarterback Spencer Rattler recreated one of the most iconic photos in rivalry history.
Knocking the in-state rival out of College Football Playoff contention was sweet, but knocking the in-state rival out of College Football Playoff contention in their stadium was even sweeter for the Gamecocks.
USC will look to start a winning streak over their rivals this Saturday.