I moved to South Carolina almost 40 years ago. Thanks to my Irish Catholic father, my love of college football (and a certain school in Northern Indiana) were solidified at a young age. Although I also liked the pro game at the time, there was something about college football that drew me in. Moving to the south only brought me closer to the sport I love.
South Carolina is unique. Anyone that lives here will tell you that. We have mountains in the upper west corner, midlands in the center and beautiful beaches lining our coast. We also have no pro sports teams, leaving plenty of room for the two major state schools to take center stage.
The University of South Carolina has George Rogers’ Heisman, the SEC and 2001. Clemson University has Death Valley, Howard’s Rock and multiple national championships. Both have rabid fan bases who want nothing more than to bring home a win against their hated rival. Never mind Thanksgiving, welcome to Palmetto Bowl Week.
Although I don’t have a “dog in the fight” as the saying goes, I still love the Palmetto Bowl. Along with Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia (and to a lesser extent in football North Carolina and Virginia), we have a tradition that’s unique to the south. Two hated rivals playing an annual football game on the final Saturday of the regular season. Ohio State vs. Michigan is obviously a traditional game and there are many others across the country, but there’s something different about southern football.
To get a better idea of what it means to the fans of each team, I’ve brought in some hired help. I’ve known both of them for years, having attended college together at Winthrop University. Remember those rabid fans I mentioned earlier, each of these guys would fit the bill. 
Brian Gosey lives in Pittsburgh with his wife and 3 kids. A Clemson fan and graduate (he received a Masters from Clemson after his time at Winthrop) he was born into a family of Tigers, literally growing up in the shadow of Death Valley. Brian’s dad (David) received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Clemson while his mom (Cindy) worked at the university for over 30 years. Brian also met his wife while studying at Clemson. She taught at the university for several years upon graduation.
Paul Sercer lives in Charlotte with his wife and young son. He credits his father, a 1958 graduate of Carolina and former Gamecock Ambassador, with his love for the Gamecocks. After attending his first home game in 1979 at 5 years old, Paul and his dad would watch their beloved Gamecocks together for the next 38 years. Their last home game was in 2017 (Paul’s Dad passed away in 2018).
Rivalries provide bragging rights for the winner and devastation for the loser. The Palmetto Bowl is no different. Brian recalled, “The rivalry means a lot to me. I remember kids in elementary school taunting each other about their teams, it was a big deal. Sure you didn’t like Georgia, UNC, or NCSU fans, but you just plain hated Carolina fans.” In case you’re wondering, the rivalry isn’t limited to the boundaries of our state either, “I’ve traded barbs with Carolina fans in California walking through an airport, at Disney World while waiting in line, and at work in Pittsburgh,” said Brian.
Paul’s situation was a bit more nuanced. The majority of his family were Clemson fans, including his mom, brother, aunts, uncles and cousins. This left him and his Dad on an island, going against the grain in rooting for the Gamecocks. “I learned the importance of that game early on. 364 days of bragging rights are on the line with family, friends, coworkers, etc. To this day, I still trade jabs with Clemson friends I had in grade school.”
Fans of any sport have their favorite players, games and teams. The Palmetto Bowl has offered plenty to cheer about over the years for both Clemson and Carolina fans. Discussing his favorite memory, Brian recounted traffic jams, large crowds and a “fire raging through the Carolina fan base” when discussing the 2003 game. “Our seats were in a largely Carolina section and I told my wife if this game stays close we may be in trouble on the way out of the stadium.” No trouble there, the Tigers throttled the Gamecocks 63-17. 
Funny enough, Paul’s favorite memory was also as a fan of the visiting team. Sitting at the 50 yard line at Death Valley, Paul and his dad watched their 9-1 and Top 10 ranked Gamecocks fall behind 21-3. “We were hearing it from all the Clemson fans around us. My dad and I weathered the abuse as the Gamecocks slowly made a comeback and eventually tied the game with only a few seconds left.” Scott Hagler missed the initial extra point try. Clemson was penalized for 12 men on the field and the 2nd attempt was good as the Gamecocks won the game 22-21. “The following year, when we received the USC 1985 Football Program, Scott Hagler was on the cover kicking the winning extra point. My dad and I were prominently pictured in the background, wearing black in a sea of orange. What a memory!”
No matter what type of season either team is having, both fan bases can agree the battle for state bragging rights matters a great deal. “I do think a Palmetto Bowl win fixes a lot of ailments, at least until the next season,” said Brian. Paul was a bit more blunt, “It’s a big deal if you win, if not, wait ‘til next year.”
The rivalry stands at 72-43-4 in favor of Clemson; however, Carolina fans currently hold the yearly title for bragging rights after their surprising 31-30 victory in 2022.
If you’re a fan of the Tigers, I’m going to assume one or two Gamecock fans haven’t let you forget.
