Carolina, Clemson officially name rivalry 'The Palmetto Bowl'

On Saturday, South Carolina and Clemson are set to meet on the football field for the 112th time, dating to their first gridiron encounter in 1896.

One of the most storied and historic rivalries in all of college football, the annual game between the state’s largest public institutions has never had an official name. The athletic departments of both schools announced this week the official adoption of "The Palmetto Bowl" as the name of the game moving forward, and a trophy and logo will be developed and unveiled prior to the 2015 game.

“From ‘Big Thursday’ to ‘The Palmetto Bowl,’ there is so much history and tradition to showcase about this rivalry,” USC athletic director Ray Tanner said. “The Palmetto Bowl gives this rivalry an identity that highlights the state of South Carolina and the accomplishments of these outstanding institutions.”

“This is one of the premier games every year in college football, and it’s a great opportunity for our institutions to increase exposure to the state of South Carolina and all the great people here,” Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich said. “To name this game The Palmetto Bowl hopefully adds to the identity of this great rivalry.”

The Gamecocks and Tigers kick off at noon on Saturday on ESPN.

This story was originally published November 26, 2014 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Carolina, Clemson officially name rivalry 'The Palmetto Bowl'."