Report: ACC Attempted To Move Clemson vs South Carolina To Black Friday

The rivalry game between Clemson and South Carolina, known as the Palmetto Bowl, is one of the most storied and fiercely contested matchups in college football. Traditionally played on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, this game has been a staple for both teams and their fans. The ACC’s proposal to shift the game to Black Friday aimed to capitalize on the increased viewership that the day typically attracts. However, Clemson officials were not swayed by this potential for higher ratings.

According to David Hood, Clemson’s decision was influenced by several factors. The university values the traditions associated with the Palmetto Bowl, including the game day atmosphere and the fan experience. Moving the game to Black Friday would disrupt these traditions and potentially limit the participation of fans who travel for Thanksgiving.

Additionally, Clemson’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge was a crucial consideration. The team’s preparation and routine could be impacted by the schedule change, and the coaching staff emphasized the importance of consistency in their game-day preparations.

Hood reports that the ACC, ESPN, and Clemson were moving on a deal that would:

1. Move The Citadel game the week prior to noon
2. Have a primetime Clemson vs South Carolina game on Black Friday
3. Limit of 2 ACC road games to be in primetime
4. Agreement that South Carolina would reciprocate with a Black Friday home game of its own
5. Agreement to move the 2027 Labor Day home game (at NC State) to a Clemson home game

The university also considered the broader implications of such a move. Clemson’s refusal to agree to the ACC’s request reflects a broader sentiment within the school community about preserving the integrity of college football traditions. By maintaining the current schedule, Clemson demonstrates its dedication to its history and the loyalty of its fans.

David Hood’s reporting highlights that this decision was not taken lightly. Clemson officials engaged in thorough discussions, weighing the pros and cons of the ACC’s proposal. Ultimately, the desire to uphold tradition and prioritize the fan experience prevailed. This decision reaffirms Clemson’s stance on preserving the unique aspects of college football that set it apart from other sports.

The ACC shared that it was “disappointed” in Clemson, with Senior Associate Commissioner for Football Michael Strickland calling the decision “harmful” to the conference’s goal.

Ultimately, it just doesn’t make sense to move the Clemson vs South Carolina game. The Tigers and Gamecocks are one of the most prominent rivalries in the country and there simply aren’t any better rivalry games taking place with that same kind of magnitude inside the conference, with the exception of Florida State vs Florida.