28 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ShemCreekRestaurants.com BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas, college football season! With football season comes tailgating, school colors, big screen TVs and of course, rivalry. Some of the most heated rivalries over the years have included Army and Navy, Alabama and Auburn, Michigan and Ohio State, Georgia and Florida, Texas and Texas A&M and University of Southern California and UCLA. In South Carolina, the Carolina and Clemson rivalry dates back to 1896. With only 132 miles between them, the Palmetto State bleeds both orange and purple and black and garnet. “The South Carolina versus Clemson football game is one (of), if not the oldest, rivalries in college football history. It’s about the state’s ‘bragging rights’ and that competitive, dominating spirit comes out in fans from both teams. There are many wagers across the state, from the governor’s office to our university presidents, to create a rich environment of competitive spirit,” explained Bill D’Andrea, former Clemson senior associate athletic director. If you are a current student, alum or even a professor at one of these schools, then you understand the sense of pride each one has for Clemson and Carolina. “Clemson fans are very loyal, dedicated and spirited, not just about their athletic teams, but about the university as well,” stated D’Andrea. “I believe the experience our Clemson students have in the classroom, the traditions we have and the overall culture is something every Clemson student embraces during their time at Clemson and after they leave.” THE HARTS What about the Carolina faithful? “Gamecock Fans are such a special, passionate fanbase. There is nothing better than a packed-out Williams Brice Stadium,” said Bailey our town Carolina-Clemson Rivalry Runs Deep in Lowcountry Families HOUSE DIVIDED
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