COLUMBIA, S.C. — The biggest rivalry game in South Carolina -- one of the biggest in the Southeast -- is almost upon us.
The University of South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers battle this Saturday night at 7:30 in the Palmetto Bowl at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Ahead of the game... students and fans gathered Monday night for the annual Tiger Burn pep rally.
It was held in a new location this year....at the Bluff Road Intramural Fields on Bluff Road, with Williams-Brice Stadium in the background. In addition to a student gathering, members of football coaching staff and team, Cocky, the UofSC cheerleaders and dance team, student performance groups and musical entertainment were part of the rally program.
Also new this year...fireworks were set off as the tiger burned.
The last time Carolina won the Palmetto Bowl was back in 2013, capping a five year run over the Tigers. The teams did not play in 2020,due to a pandemic-shortened season. Clemson won the 2019 game, played in Columbia, 38-3. Heading into Saturday, Clemson is again favored to win.