Remembering when the Carolina-Clemson rivalry game produced 5 nail-biters in a row
Nov. 22, 2021
The annual Carolina-Clemson football showdown dates to 1892, and, like almost anything with that much history, it provides memories to treasure. There have been good games and lousy ones, great performances and some to forget, and the odd history of playing for years on “Big Thursday” — the Thursday of State Fair week in October and always in Columbia.
There have been pranks and controversies over the years and even real hostilities — a riot back in the day and the 2004 fight between the players. There have been counterfeit tickets that led fans to break down the gates and surround the field. In the days leading to the 118th clash this Saturday (7:30 p.m., SEC Network), fans will reminisce about their favorite moments. The better team almost always wins these days, a fact on display the last 11 years — a five-game Carolina winning streak and Clemson’s current six-game mastery.
Let’s step back to a five-year stretch of games. Every one decided by one possession. Every one in the final minute or two. Five games decided by a total of 19 points. The games featured everything, from a “walking” punt return to goal-line stands to a foiled 2-point conversion at the end. Clemson realistically could have won all five, Carolina four. (ARTICLE) THE STATE
Nov. 22, 2021
The annual Carolina-Clemson football showdown dates to 1892, and, like almost anything with that much history, it provides memories to treasure. There have been good games and lousy ones, great performances and some to forget, and the odd history of playing for years on “Big Thursday” — the Thursday of State Fair week in October and always in Columbia.
There have been pranks and controversies over the years and even real hostilities — a riot back in the day and the 2004 fight between the players. There have been counterfeit tickets that led fans to break down the gates and surround the field. In the days leading to the 118th clash this Saturday (7:30 p.m., SEC Network), fans will reminisce about their favorite moments. The better team almost always wins these days, a fact on display the last 11 years — a five-game Carolina winning streak and Clemson’s current six-game mastery.
Let’s step back to a five-year stretch of games. Every one decided by one possession. Every one in the final minute or two. Five games decided by a total of 19 points. The games featured everything, from a “walking” punt return to goal-line stands to a foiled 2-point conversion at the end. Clemson realistically could have won all five, Carolina four. (ARTICLE) THE STATE