Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008

The best of Carolina and Clemson

Author Ivan Maisel wrote in his recent book that the USC-Clemson rivalry is the most underrated in college football. Staff writer Neil White offers the most interesting things about the rivalry from both the USC and Clemson perspectives.

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USC

PUNK’D: In 1961, Sigma Nu fraternity members impersonate the Tigers in a bumbling fashion during pregame warmups by wearing football uniforms resembling those worn by Clemson. After it nearly sets off a melee, USC wins the game 21-14.

PICTURE PERFECT: Fire Ants.

SCENIC SETTING: All aboard the Cockabooses.

SCOREBOARD: 56-20 in 1975.

BOLD ENTRANCE: Theme to “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

MAGICAL MOMENT: Brad Edwards returning an interception for a game-clinching touchdown as No. 12 USC defeats No. 8 Clemson 20-7 — the highest combined rankings in the rivalry’s history.

MUSICAL QUOTE: “Until things are brighter, I’m the Man in Black.” — Legendary singer Johnny Cash.

NAME GAME: It’s better to have a former coach named Sparky than a former coach named Hootie.

COACHING CHAMPIONSHIP CONNECTIONS: Holtz won a national championship at Notre Dame in 1988, and Steve Spurrier won one at Florida in 1996.

TROPHY TRIVIA: George Rogers, who rushed for 1,894 yards in 1980, is the only player from the two schools to win a Heisman Trophy.

UNSPORTING GESTURE: Quarterback Mike Hold extends the ball to the Tigers’ William Perry and then drops it at his feet at the finish of USC’s 22-21 win in 1984.

UNBEATEN LEADER: Tommy Suggs (1968-70).

SUPER SYMBOL: Swaying upper deck.

VICTORY LANE: It’s all about winning with style. While leading his team to a 24-13 win in 1992, brash freshman quarterback Steve Taneyhill autographs his name on the Tiger paw at midfield.

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CLEMSON

PUNK’D: In 2000, receiver Rod Gardner pushes off a Gamecocks defender to pull in a 50-yard reception at USC’s 8-yard line with 10 seconds remaining, which sets up the game-winning field goal in a 16-14 victory.

PICTURE PERFECT: Orange pants.

SCENIC SETTING: An idyllic on-campus stadium.

SCOREBOARD: 63-17 in 2003.

BOLD ENTRANCE: Running down the hill.

MAGICAL MOMENT: Jerry Butler making a diving, twisting catch on a 20-yard throw from Steve Fuller with 49 seconds remaining to pull out a dramatic 31-27 win in 1977.

MUSICAL QUOTE: “Orange is the happiest color.” — Frank Sinatra.

NAME GAME: It’s better to have a coach named Dabo than a player named Smelley.

COACHING CHAMPIONSHIP CONNECTIONS: Danny Ford won a national championship at Clemson in 1981.

TROPHY TRIVIA: The Heisman Trophy is named for iconic coach John Heisman, who went 19-3-2 at Clemson from 1900-03.

UNSPORTING GESTURE: A Clemson fan strangles a live chicken at midfield during halftime of the 1946 game.

UNBEATEN LEADER: Charlie Whitehurst (2002-05).

SUPER SYMBOL: Howard’s Rock.

VICTORY LANE: It’s all about winning, period. Clemson holds a 64-37-4 lead in the series.

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