South Carolina had the pleasure of beating their bitter in-state rival Clemson this past weekend and thought they had also dashed the Tigers College Football Playoff hopes. However, due to Miami losing to Syracuse later in the day, Clemson found themselves still in the mix as they earned a spot in the ACC Championship.
Head coach Shane Beamer said after the big win that he hoped Miami would lose so that Clemson could get in, as he and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney are good friends in the offseason. However, now with the Tigers in the ACC Championship, Beamer felt he should remind the Tigers who the better team really is in his most recent press conference.
Shane Beamer on the possibility that Clemson, which lost to the Gamecocks, could make the playoff.
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) December 4, 2024
“They may be ACC champs. We’re state champs.” pic.twitter.com/ivh0A5X9Fm
Beamer was extremely professional, even with throwing a little shade at the Tigers, by wishing Clemson luck in the ACC Championship and even admitted that some of his players may be wishing they were in the other team's shoes.
South Carolina is obviously upset about what happened with the College Football Playoff and that they will most likely not get in this season. Clemson still has a shot, even though the Gamecocks won the Palmetto Bowl because they can win the ACC Championship and get an automatic bid to the playoff.
However, South Carolina can still hold their heads high because they finished high up in the SEC, even after a rough start to the season. They were on the brink of a playoff appearance but may just need a few fewer losses next season.
One thing no one can take away from South Carolina is that they are state champs of South Carolina.