On an unseasonably warm November afternoon, when orange & purple and garnet & black collide under the shadow of a palmetto tree, something more than just a football game takes place. It's ritual. It's legacy. It's rivalry. For the Gamecocks and the Tigers, this isn't just another Saturday, it is a chance to claim fleeting bragging rights in a showdown rooted so deep in history and pulse, that every yard, every run, every fourth down call, and every moment is sideline tension.
A Rivalry Forged in History
The first time that Clemson and South Carolina met on the gridiron was 1896. It was the first year of Clemson football and the fourth year of Carolina football. It was a Thursday, and the 57-year tradition was born: Big Thursday. South Carolina emerged victorious from that first matchup and thus began one of the longest uninterrupted rivalries in college football history. The game has never been played anywhere besides Columbia or Clemson. Clemson leads the series 73–44–4, although South Carolina won the most recent game with a score of 17–14. Yet the numbers only scratch the surface.
Why This Game Means So Much
- Bragging rights for a year. For many in the state, this game is often the final regular-season matchup for both programs. The matchup shapes narratives (and Thanksgiving dinners), fuels alumni pride, and sets the tone for the upcoming offseason.
- Emotional currency. The rivalry spans generations of players, coaches, and fans. It carries tradition on both sides, with the “Tiger Burn,” the “Cocky Funeral,” the March to The Hill at Clemson, the packed stands at Williams-Brice.
- The moments. From blow-outs to nail-biters, from sideline brawls to last-second field goals, there’s always a story to tell when it comes to the Clemson vs. Carolina game.
- "The Brawl".: The 2004 fight that cancelled bowl eligibility for both schools. The SEC and ACC also suspended six players from both South Carolina and Clemson for one game. This was also the last game ever coached South Carolina's legendary head coach Lou Holtz.
- The 2006 upset when South Carolina edged Clemson 31-28 when it came down to Clemson missing a game-tying field goal.
- The streak. South Carolina winning five straight games, six of the previous eight matchups against the Tigers.
- The 2014 game when Clemson freshman QB Deshaun Watson threw for 269 yards and ran for two touchdowns...on a torn ACL.
- The Pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the SEC announced that no out-of-conference games would be played, thus canceling Clemson and South Carolina game. It was the first time the two teams would not play in over 100 years.
What the Data Tell Us
It's no secret to either side that over the last century, Clemson has been the dominant force. but South Carolina has had their share of signature wins and streaks. When playing at Williams-Brice Stadium, Clemson has been surprisingly dominant. Every game isn't just about the win, it is the momentum, the recruiting bragging rights, and the state pride that often factors into the box score.
Last year, the two programs faced off at Memorial Stadium both ranked, the first time since 2013. The Gamecocks came in at No. 16 in the AP Poll, while Clemson held the No. 12 spot. Clemson was on a three-game winning streak, Carolina on a five-game streak. Clemson led 14-7 heading into the fourth quarter, but South Carolina scored 10 points, including freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers' unforgettable touchdown on 3rd-and-16. The Gamecocks walked away with a 17-14 win.
Despite the Gamecocks’ signature win, Clemson ultimately secured a spot in the Playoff via the ACC route. South Carolina was left out, which created quite a bit of controversy.
Looking Towards Saturday
That is the beauty in this rivalry. Nothing stays still. The scoreboard fades, the crowds empty, but that fire never goes out. Clemson and South Carolina will trade blows until the end of time, bound by a border and divided by everything else. And every November, under that same Carolina sky, the state will hold its breath for one more chapter. One more chance to rewrite the story.