Re: Hill Watch...51 days!!!

Clemson’s largest margin of victory over the Chickens? It is not 2003’s classic 63-16. It is not 2016’s 56-7 in which neither team “was that much better” than the other. And it is not 1989’s dominant 45-0. All of those were great!

But the most lopsided game was played in 1900. Sadly, none of us were around for this clearly beautiful beatdown. Fortunately, we have multiple sources to let us know all about Clemson’s 1900 team and this glorious beatdown!

Of note: In 1900 John Heisman coached Clemson to a perfect 6-0 record. If Clemson were an SEC team, we would claim this undefeated season as another National Championship.

Sports Illustrated recognized the 1900 Clemson team and its 51-0 win over the Chickens:

“1900 (51-0): Part of a perfect 6-0 season under first year head coach John Heisman.”

https://www.si.com/college/clemson/football/significant-series-wins-for-clemson

1900 was John Heisman’s first season as Head Coach at Clemson. According to ClemsonTigers.com:

“It did not take long for Heisman to whip the Tigers into shape, as Clemson finished the 1900 season with a 6-0 record, a campaign that included wins over Alabama (35-0), Georgia (39-5) and South Carolina (51-0). It was the first undefeated season in Tiger history, and it was the school’s first conference championship, as Clemson won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Clemson did have another perfect record until 1948.”

https://clemsontigers.com/john-heisman-2023-program-story/

Apparently, Clemson cadets joined in the rivalry as well. According to the Fifth Quarter:

“Along with grins and cheers, Clemson Cadets had taped and tied pieces of cloth to their boots. Garnet and black cloth covered the Cadets’ boots, protecting the clean shiny footwear from the dust and dirt. This was just the first form of hatred and displeasure in the young rivalry.

The second form of displeasure came in 1900 following a thumping as Clemson defeated South Carolina, 51-0. This led to the South Carolina College’s administration finding difficulty in agreeing upon the 1901 matchup, leading to the first break in the young rivalry. Notwithstanding, it wasn’t long until the rivalry met its first breaking point.”

https://fifthquarter.net/clemson-south-carolina-a-rivalry-beyond-belief/

Wikipedia adds the following:

“Going into the South Carolina game, Clemson had been strong on offense, but weak on defense. Kinsler and Douthit were both injured. The Tigers rolled up a 51–0 score on South Carolina.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Clemson_Tigers_football_team#:~:text=Going%20into%20the%20South%20Carolina,0%20score%20on%20South%20Carolina.

And, finally, GoUpstate provides information on Clemson’s leading scorer of the game:

“1900
Clemson 51, USC 0

Claude Douthit scores three touchdowns. Game still stands as the largest margin of victory for either team.”

https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2002/11/24/clemson-south-carolina-a-game-by-game-history/29652242007/

Picture of Clemson’s 1900 Team (from Wikipedia):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Clemson_Tigers_football_team

Final 1900 Southern Conference Standings (also from Wikipedia):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Southern_Intercollegiate_Athletic_Association_football_season

And, just for fun, it is worth noting that the 1900 win is still the bar by which other Chicken blowouts seem to be measured:

- In 1989 (from UPI);
“The Gamecocks close their season at 5-4-1 after their worst loss to Clemson since a 51-0 drubbing in 1900.:
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/11/18/Clemson-45-South-Carolina-0/6029627368400/

- In 2003 (StarNewsOnline):
“Clemson’s 46-point victory margin was its highest in the series with South Carolina since 1900 when Clemson won 51-0 in Columbia.”
https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2003/11/25/clemsons-win-one-for-the-ages/30532082007/

- In 2016 (from ESPN):
The Gamecocks never woke up after that in Clemson's 56-7 domination, the team's largest margin of victory in the rivalry since a 51-0 win in 1900.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869074

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51 - Bryan Bresee Registered 51 Tackles for Clemson

Jul 11, 2024, 12:04 AM

In 2020, DL Bryan Bresee (note: not “Breese”) was one of the top recruits in the country. Many considered him the top recruit in the country.

Bryan Bresee (2020-2022) talents forced opponents to account for him on every play. That said, he endured a series of difficult situations at Clemson. Clemson Nation did its best to support him through a horrible tragedy.

Showing him love could not take the pain away. Hopefully, Bresee at least felt the prayers and support as Clemson fans everywhere wept with him.

While at Clemson:

According to ESPN:

“Bresee was ranked the No. 1 college prospect three years ago and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive rookie of the year after 2020.”

https://www.espn.in/nfl/story/_/id/35371271/clemson-dl-bryan-bresee-following-dream-enter-nfl-draft

And, as reported in the Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville.com):

“In 28 games played at Clemson, Bresee accounted for 51 tackles, nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He played just four games during his sophomore year in 2021 after tearing his ACL early in the season.”

https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/03/03/bryan-bresee-itd-be-great-to-play-with-ex-clemson-teammate-trevor-lawrence/69964795007/

Sadly, off the field problems got even worse in 2022 – much worse. All of Clemson Nation remembers Bryan’s sister, Ella Bresee, with much love and caring. Bryan Bresee’s difficult 2022 season is unimaginable. Clemson Nation could only weep with him and offer whatever support we could.

As reported by ESPN, the 2022 season was beyond difficult:

“It has been a difficult season for Bresee and his family. His 15-year-old sister, Ella, died of brain cancer in September, her fight leading many of his coaches, teammates and Tigers fans to wear "Ella Strong" T-shirts.

Later in the season, Bresee was treated for a kidney infection and missed four games. He finished the season with 15 tackles and 3.5 sacks.”

https://www.espn.in/nfl/story/_/id/35371271/clemson-dl-bryan-bresee-following-dream-enter-nfl-draft

Clemson played La Tech the weekend after Ella’s passing. La Tech’s players and coaches showed that it wasn’t just Clemson Nation who was in tears with Bresee, other college football teams also showed their caring. According to CBS:

“Louisiana Tech's football team showed its support for Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee during Saturday's Week 3 game against the Tigers following the death of his younger sister, Ella. Bulldog players sent hand-written notes addressed to Bresee and his family after Ella died earlier in the week of brain cancer at just 15 years old.

Additionally, Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie wore a shirt with the phrase #E11AStrong on the front, with the 11 representing Bresee's number.”

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/louisiana-tech-players-pen-letters-to-clemson-dl-bryan-bresee-after-sister-ella-dies-of-brain-cancer/

In return, Clemson fans showed their appreciation by sending $11.00 donations to the La Tech Athletic Department. As reported on Tigernet:

Clemson fans on TigerNet decided to take action as they usually do as users OldFike94 and kgpittm® decided that $11 donations would be a gesture of thanks for the class that the La Tech team showed during their time in Death Valley.

LA Tech announced on Friday morning that over 200 donations had been made to their Athletic Club from Clemson fans.

https://www.tigernet.com/clemson-football/news/clemson-fans-give-over-100-donations-to-la-tech-athletic-club-40804

As for Bresee’s play on the field, Sports Illustrated described him as follows:

“What shines when it comes to the Clemson product is his ability as a pass rusher. His heavy and violent hands take opposing blockers by surprise and knocking them back on their heels. He is also a very disciplined player in terms of where his eyes shoot and remain throughout plays.

For instance, when he is engaged by a blocker, instead of his eyes darting down to his one-on-one matchup, he is actively keeping track of how the play is developing in the backfield. The Saints defense has been noted consistently when it comes to issues with eye discipline, Bresee has been solid in that department.

He also does a great job handling double teams. Either by occupying two blockers to grant isolated opportunities for edge rushers or by simply fighting through them. No task proves to be too big for him.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/editorial-opinion/clemson-bryan-bresee-saints-nfl-draft

High praise indeed!!

After Clemson:

Bryan Bresee opted to leave for the NFL after his redshirt sophomore season. It is hard to believe that he was at Clemson for three years AND still had three seasons of eligibility remaining thanks to the 2020 covid season.

The New Orleans Saints selected Bryan Bresee with the 29th Pick (First Round) of the 2023 NFL Draft. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Bresee registered the following statistics in his 2023 rookie season with the Saints:

Bryan Bresee (2023: Saints):
- 24 Tackles (12 Solo, 12 Assisted)
- 7 Tackles for Loss
- 4.5 Sacks

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BresBr00.htm

Impressive Bresee Clemson highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cG-xYVkvtM

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Clemson: Academic Excellence! Athletic Excellence!

Hill Watch...51 days!!!