Confident Tigers ready to renew their rivalry

CLEMSON -- Some of the 15th-ranked Tigers' dominance in today's rivalry might be explained by a loose confidence.

The Tigers return to Columbia today (noon, ESPN), where they have lost only twice since 1980. Clemson has won 10 of the last 12 meetings, and holds a 65-37-4 edge overall.

Buoyed by recent success in the rivalry and a six-game win streak, the Tigers (8-3) seemed confident preparing for South Carolina (6-5) this week. The pressure might also be lessened as many of Clemson's key players are not South Carolinians, having grown up without an understanding of what many dub the state championship.

Coming from Florida, Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker admitted he

was initially surprised by the ferocity of the rivalry that divides the state's 4.5 million population.

Ditto for star backfield mate C.J. Spiller.

"Being from the state of Florida you get accustomed to those rivalries," said Spiller, one of 16 Floridians on the Clemson roster. "I got here and I didn't understand (the rivalry) at first. Now I understand, and I know how much it means to people."

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney also grew up out of state with other rivalries on the forefront.

"It hasn't quite had the national impact as Alabama-Auburn has had, because those teams are in the same conference so it could be for the SEC championship or a higher bowl or higher ranking," Swinney said. "This game, historically, hasn't had the kind of impact on the national scene because of that.

"But it doesn't take a backseat at all from a fan standpoint. It's a great rivalry for good old fashioned bragging rights, and it takes a backseat to nothing else I've seen."

Perhaps no participant in today's South Carolina-Clemson game understands the passion and preservation involved in today's rivalry game than Clemson offensive line coach Brad Scott.

Scott was the head coach of the Gamecocks from 1994-98, beating Clemson once in five tries. Upon being fired, he received a call from Tommy Bowden and joined the Clemson staff -- carried off the field following the Tigers' win in 1999.

"They were throwing things at me that first year when I walked on the field (at Williams-Brice Stadium); that was certainly different," Scott said. "That first year the ride back from the hotel to the stadium on the bus coming down Bluff Road ... just all the things you did when you were there with a different perspective."

While some of the emotions have worn away for Scott, while some note the Gamecocks have a greater motivation to win today due to bowl positioning and recent lack of success, Scott said, Clemson will be ready to play: "it's never just another game."

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.