It’s Thanksgiving week — or, as folks across the Palmetto State call it, South Carolina–Clemson week. Just 48 hours after the turkey is carved, one of college football’s most underappreciated rivalries takes center stage at Williams-Brice Stadium.
This year’s edition of the Palmetto Bowl features the 6-5 Clemson Tigers and the 4-7 South Carolina Gamecocks — two programs that entered the season with loftier expectations. Kickoff is set for noon in Columbia, with the broadcast airing on SEC Network and streaming available on the ESPN app.
As we gear up for the 2025 South Carolina–Clemson showdown, here’s a look back at some of the Gamecocks’ biggest moments from the modern era of the rivalry. While there’s plenty of history dating back to the early 1900s — including literal brawls and clashes involving bayonets and rifles — this rundown focuses on the last 25 years, leaving out legends like Steve Wadiak, Willie Scott, Mike Hold, Brad Edwards, Steve Taneyhill, and Duce Staley.
Sheldon Brown & Corey Jenkins Steal the Show (2001)
Coming off a historic turnaround (from 0-11 in 1999 to 8-4 in 2000), South Carolina entered the 2001 showdown at 7-3 and eager to avenge 2000’s controversial finish — a moment Gamecock fans remember as “The Push Off” and Clemson fans call “The Catch” or “The Catch II.”
Clemson’s Rod Gardner appeared to shove USC defensive back Andre Goodman — with no penalty — before making a 50-yard grab that set up a game-winning field goal. A year later, Williams-Brice was ready for revenge.
In a tight contest, Lou Holtz made a gutsy call on 4th-and-goal from the 1. He pulled starting QB Phil Petty and brought in Corey Jenkins. Running the triple option, Jenkins faked to Andrew Pinnock, broke to the outside, leapt over a tackler, and crossed the goal line.
Clemson later cut the lead, but All-American Sheldon Brown — who had already grabbed two interceptions — sealed the game by recovering the onside kick. South Carolina closed it out, 20-15.
Wide Left: A Miracle in the Upstate (2006)
In their first trip back to Clemson since the infamous 2004 brawl, the Gamecocks relied heavily on the run — largely because Blake Mitchell threw three interceptions.
Despite the miscues, South Carolina clawed back, and Ryan Succop put the Gamecocks ahead late. Clemson quickly drove into scoring range, setting up a 39-yard field goal for Lou Groza finalist Jad Dean.
Then came the miracle.
Dean’s kick sailed wide left — a moment Steve Spurrier later joked was “God smiling on the Gamecock.”
Beyoncé’s hit “Irreplaceable” would debut at No. 1 soon after, and USC fans couldn’t resist singing its iconic line: “to the left, to the left.”
Alshon Jeffery Breaks Clemson’s Spirit (2011)
Despite winning the previous two matchups, South Carolina entered 2011 as the underdog. Clemson was headed to the ACC title game, while USC was without Marcus Lattimore and relying on a young Connor Shaw.
The doubters were wrong.
South Carolina’s defense smothered Clemson, holding them under 200 yards. Tajh Boyd finished with just 60 total yards — one of the worst outings of his career. Shaw, meanwhile, racked up more than 300 yards and four touchdowns.
His final strike — an 18-yard touchdown to Alshon Jeffery — triggered a mass exodus of orange from the upper deck. As Jeffery stood over a fallen Coty Sensabaugh, Williams-Brice seemed to cry “tears of orange.”
The Dylan Thompson & Jadeveon Clowney Show (2012)
Minutes before kickoff, reports surfaced that Connor Shaw wouldn’t play. Backup Dylan Thompson, inconsistent in previous outings, took over — then delivered the best performance of his career, totaling nearly 350 yards and three touchdowns.
But he wasn’t the only star.
Jadeveon Clowney recorded a school-record 4.5 sacks, dominating Clemson’s offensive line. He later told reporters that Tajh Boyd “sure did look scared.”
D.J. Swearinger added one of the rivalry’s most iconic hits — a monstrous shoulder-to-shoulder blast on Andre Ellington — followed by a flex that USC fans now simply call “The Flex.”
Pharoh Cooper to Brandon Wilds — and the “High Five, Dabo!” Era (2013)
The final win of South Carolina’s five-game streak over Clemson came in 2013. After a tight contest, Chaz Sutton ripped the ball from Tajh Boyd, giving USC momentum before a fumbled punt set up a trick play.
Pharoh Cooper lined up as wildcat quarterback, faked a power run, and lofted a pass to Brandon Wilds for a touchdown that sealed the game.
Gamecock fans celebrated all offseason by posing with Clemson fans and flashing five fingers — the most famous being the trolling “High Five, Dabo!” photos.
“Meet at the Paw”: The Upset in Death Valley (2022)
As big underdogs, South Carolina stunned Clemson in 2022.
After several early mistakes, the Gamecocks rallied behind Spencer Rattler’s 360-yard, two-touchdown performance. Mitch Jeter’s late field goal gave USC the lead, but the Tigers looked to have one final chance — until Antonio Williams fumbled, and Nick Emmanwori recovered.
Facing 3rd-and-4, Rattler hit Juice Wells, who broke multiple tackles and iced the game, 31-30. Rattler later recreated Steve Taneyhill’s iconic pose in front of Clemson fans.
LaNorris Sellers Becomes a Legend (2024)
In a top-10 showdown with playoff stakes, Clemson led 14-7 most of the second half. With time running out, LaNorris Sellers delivered a drive for the ages.
On 3rd-and-16, Sellers broke free, juked Barrett Carter, and sprinted in for the go-ahead touchdown. South Carolina led 17-14.
Clemson threatened late, but freshman pass rusher Dylan Stewart pressured Cade Klubnik into an errant throw. Linebacker Demetrius Knight — wearing No. 17 — made the diving interception to secure the win.
