Reaction: South Carolina-Clemson football game won’t happen in 2020
For the first time in 111 years, South Carolina and Clemson will not play each other in football this season.
The Southeastern Conference announced Thursday that it will be moving to a 10-game, conference-only schedule for the 2020 season, meaning that the Gamecocks will not be able to play their rivals from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The news comes on the heels of a Wednesday announcement from the ACC stating that teams would play a conference-only schedule with one exception. That one exception game — played against an in-state, non-conference opponent — would have allowed the Tigers to play USC this season. But the SEC’s revised schedule does not allow for such an exception.
One of the fiercest rivalries in college sports, the USC-Clemson football series dates back to 1896, with both teams playing annually since 1909. The teams’ 111 consecutive matchups is the second-longest active streak between rivals in the country. That streak is now over.
Statements from USC president Bob Caslen, athletics director Ray Tanner and football coach Will Muschamp confirmed that the Gamecocks will not play the Tigers this season. Caslen said he “took the position that we should continue to play our in-state rival” but added that he supported the conference’s final decision. Tanner took a similar stance.
“I am disappointed that we will not play our in-state rival this year,” Tanner said. “It is a great rivalry and one of the nation’s best. The pandemic has created many challenges and forced us to make adjustments. I am glad that we are planning to play football this fall. I look forward to renewing the rivalry in 2021. “
Added Muschamp:
“It’s unfortunate that we will not be playing Clemson this season but that wasn’t our choice, it was a league decision. That’s a game that is important to our program, our institution and our state, and one that President Caslen and Coach Tanner pushed hard to make happen. I look forward to renewing the rivalry in 2021.”
Clemson athletics director Dan Radakovich expressed a similar sentiment in a released statement, saying Clemson was one of the schools that pushed for the ACC’s one-exception rule.
“Clemson aggressively lobbied the ACC to include an additional non-conference game for the primary purpose of maintaining our long-standing rivalry game with South Carolina,” Radakovich said. “We’re disappointed to hear of the scheduling decision announced by the SEC, as we know the importance of The Palmetto Bowl to the State of South Carolina. We will work to fill the opening on our schedule immediately.”
Instant reaction to the news on social media included several national pundits. National college football writer Dennis Dodd said on CBS Sports that, “It’s not a great day for the SEC today.”
Other reaction on Twitter:
“South Carolina can play Missouri, but not Clemson. This is some 2020 logic.” - former Clemson women’s basketball player @KellyGramlich.
“South Carolina is going to travel to Arkansas but cant play Clemson who is like 100 miles away. DUMB.” - fan @TAMadden14
“So it’s cool for South Carolina to travel to Baton Rouge but not Clemson? Covid only goes after non-conference games I guess #scam.” - fan @ktoddhampton
“I would like to apologize to everyone for picking up that monkey’s paw and saying ‘Hey, could we maybe not do a Carolina-Clemson game this year?’” - The Ringer’s @michaelbaumann
“Absolutely ridiculous South Carolina can travel to Baton Rouge, Lexington, Nashville, Gainesville, etc. but can’t travel to Clemson to take on the Tigers.The SEC dropped the ball on this one.” - @TheSpursUpShow
“I’m genuinely broken hearted that South Carolina and Clemson will not play each other in football this year. No matter which team won, every year of my life I looked forward to that game. Each team was (0-0) on Rivalry Saturday. Football won’t be the same without that game.” - fan @THEWillKing
“Two main takeaways: 1. No +1? Stuck it to ACC 2. How do you ever go back to selling fans 8 conference games and a few stinkers every year?” - local radio host @TimHill1075
“I say Clemson and South Carolina should just show up on Thanksgiving morning at Greenwood High School and dare anyone to try and stop them.” - ESPN senior writer @ESPNMcGee
“On the bright side, at least we can’t lose to Clemson again in 2020...” - fan @KevinOinSC
“Why conference only? If it is true that this decision is made in interest of keeping college football regionalized to reduce the spread of COVID-19 then why can’t South Carolina play Clemson? What about Georgia and Georgia Tech? This seems shortsighted. #SEC” - fan @masontyler924
“It ain’t about travel distance y’all. It’s about only playing teams who have the same regulations as you do. I know that both South Carolina and Clemson both wanted the game to happen. SEC said no.” - fan @Gamecockology
“Clemson will not play against South Carolina for the first time in a long time we are definitely in the end times now lol” - fan @LoganWires
“A season without the Palmetto Bowl is not even a season worth having. Either play the game or don’t play any games at all. Period. An 116 year rivalry just completely disregarded and ignored. Thoroughly Disgusted with the decision by the SEC officials.” - fan #GamedayWarrior
This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Reaction: South Carolina-Clemson football game won’t happen in 2020."
