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Senior Writer [∞]
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The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:30 PM
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Saw this, thought the people here might like to read it and discuss.
This year was the first time in forever that I’ve had the opportunity to not only attend a game at South Carolina, but actually get there early enough to get at least some semblance of an experience. And something I think we’ve all known but mostly never say is this – even though we live in the same state, we work together, we worship together, and we have the same backgrounds and shared experiences of attending the same schools growing up, and even though we intermarry and lines are drawn between parents and children, between spouses, between best friends, there is a fundamental difference in how we view football, tailgating, and the entire football experience.
Clemson and South Carolina fans, and the experiences are just different.
Let’s take a look at some of them. Clemson can be a little harder to get to on game day, while South Carolina has major highways leading into the stadium. Both places you can get stuck in traffic, and South Carolina fans will balk at having to “look at cow pastures and barns” and Clemson fans will balk at being stuck on the interstate next to idling trucks and strip malls. But when you get closer to the stadium at Clemson, you see where the differences really begin.
As you approach campus, whether you’re on a four lane road or a two lane road, you are greeted at some point by bright orange Tiger paws, welcoming you to Clemson. And once you arrive on campus, you wind your way to your tailgating spot by passing places where most of us have lived or attended classes, had first dates, took that first drink, and have spent so much of our lives. At South Carolina, you’re headed to the fairgrounds, and you pass machine shops and brake shops. I think they’ve done a nice job of finding businesses that want to move into the area, but for the most part you can tell you’re in an industrial part of the city. Clemson’s stadium is on campus, a beautiful campus at that, full of trees and stately old buildings and walkways paved with memories.
And there is yet another difference – for students that live on Clemson’s campus, they walk those walkways, under the trees, past the classroom and administration buildings and dorms, to the stadium. No matter where you are on campus, you can hear the roar of the stadium. And when the students begin their walk, they pass through Core Campus, with Death Valley in view, and walk down the hill with one of the most breathtaking sights in all of college football. Their stadium, their homes away from homes, and their classrooms are all interconnected.
We sat in traffic and watched as South Carolina students trudged down a main road. They had to cross over railroad tracks, and dodge trucks and traffic, for the mile-plus walk from the campus to the stadium. They carried their belongings and their beer past abandoned buildings and tow truck companies, and dodged traffic the entire way.
And then we passed the motor home lot. It was cramped, right off a main road, and part of it is closed off by a high fence and barbed wire. At Clemson, the motor homes park in historic Jervey Meadows, in the shadow of Doug Kingsmore Stadium and McWhorter Stadium, the lights from those venues keeping watch over the wide spaces and grassy lots. To one side is the football facility, and in front is the distance are the lights of Death Valley. It’s picturesque and uniquely Clemson. They, they being South Carolina fans, prefer their fairground lots. We prefer picturesque.
And then the game itself. I think they have a great game atmosphere. It’s rocking and rolling, and I like it when they play Sandstorm and wave the towels and jump. If you love college football, its something you have to see. During the game, the stadium lights blink constantly, the lights are turned off at every chance, and band music is largely replaced by canned music from the loudspeakers. Someone next to us called it a mix of a rock concert and an MMA fight. I get that, and I think a lot of people like it.
At Clemson, it’s more traditional. Our breaks are used to honor our military, the Hero of the Game, and while there is the usual cacophony of canned music, the band does its part. At Clemson, it’s less rock concert and more football game. The way it should be.
And when the game is over, Clemson fans meet at the Paw, throw footballs with the kids, take pictures with the players, and spend a few minutes regaling in the atmosphere. They then head back to their cars, next to their classroom buildings, next to their old dorms, underneath the stately trees. South Carolina fans head back to their lots in the fairgrounds, or in tow yard fences or brake shops or machine shops.
It’s all in how you want to spend your football Saturdays. South Carolina fans love their experiences, and we loves ours. Neither one would want what the other has. And that’s why, even though we marry and work together and worship together, we are just fundamentally different on how we view the sport we love.
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CU Guru [1013]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:37 PM
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I went for the first time this year. Was like a third world country in Columbia the stadium wasn't horrible. Cold night in the nose bleeds but all those in orange happy. Don't get me started on the fans Im sure we have some like that but dear god they were horrible
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CU Medallion [64593]
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You omitted the part about...
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:43 PM
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the homeless vagrants, crack houses, thrown water bottles, and middle finger salutes that are so prevalent in and around The Dead Cockroach, but I'm guessing you were just trying to be kind.
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Oculus Spirit [82077]
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and doo-doo ice
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Dec 8, 2023, 7:58 AM
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Head Coach [798]
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Re: and doo-doo ice
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Dec 8, 2023, 12:10 PM
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How can you talk about Willy B without mentioning doo doo ice.
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CU Medallion [55432]
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Re: You omitted the part about...
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Dec 8, 2023, 9:50 AM
[ in reply to You omitted the part about... ] |
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I hate them, but the FB stadium is by far the best looking thing/construction in that entire area, but honestly as far as FB stadiums go, the coots do have a pretty nice stadium regardless of our pet names we have for it, and my favorite is the Roach!!!
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Legend [16207]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:52 PM
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Nice write-up but I disagree. THEY WANT WHAT WE HAVE but they can never have it so they pretend that what they have is better/best. What can I say other than some people will fool themselves into believing it in their minds but deep down they know....yes, they know and they dream but reality always hits them as they walk through their industrial park.
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Heisman Winner [119741]
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THIS IS THE RAW UNVARNISHED TRUTH***
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:22 PM
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CU Guru [1687]
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CU Medallion [55432]
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Legend [15216]
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It's interesting how at SCar, they used to NOT do the canned music and only band
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:53 PM
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because the SEC had a rule that you could not do music over the loudspeakers between plays.
So at Clemson, you'd have some rap music on a big third down. At SCar, you'd just have their band playing something random.
Obviously, the SEC doesn't have that rule anymore.
My SCar buddy used to be like... man y'all play canned music over the loudspeaker ALL THE TIME. We never do this!
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1st Rounder [649]
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Re: It's interesting how at SCar, they used to NOT do the canned music and only band
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:47 PM
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Yup. It is always a mess there. Every school does promotions to get the fans worked up, we do it too. Been there in prior years, Sandstorm and white towels (interesting equipment for a rival game) are pretty cliche, but okay. And then the whole spiel with Cocky in the box. "Who could it possibly be?" after a few hundred repetitions. Give me a break. This year I was shocked to see the additions. First they play annoying earsplitting music over the loudspeaker system in addition to flashing read and white lights, right up to the moment the ref starts the clock. Anyone who had epilepsy should not attend.
And while Clemson does similar stuff, the degree matters and the poultry never misses a chance to loudly self promote and simultaneously tempt the crowd into making racket. There's the reliable "ITS THIRD DOWN!" over the loudspeaker whenever the opposition has a third down try. Then, "ITS ANOTHER CAROLINA . . . . FIRST DOWN!" the two times they actually made one, evidently the announcer trying to imitate the home announcer at NBA games or wrestling matches. By the 4th quarter when the poultry had to punt, I was leading the chant "ITS ANOTHER CAROLINA . . . . FORTH DOWN!".
Plus they now serve beer. Don't get me wrong, I like tilting a few as well as the next guy. But given that they have more night games (makes some sense, 1 o'clock games in late August and September in Cola would kill people) more people getting hammered before the game, and their proven bad behavior resulting from it, I'll pass. It takes about a quarter in the best of times to get through the lines to the restrooms and back to your seat in the upper deck. If you start swilling beers, you won't be able to do much more than get back in line for the bathroom where their drunks are loudtalking. Glad to have a break for two years.
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All-TigerNet [10859]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:53 PM
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Some of their fans have children who were conceived along those railroad tracks and behind those dumpsters.
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Orange Blooded [4461]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:01 PM
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Oh my, 😂😂
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CU Medallion [55432]
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All-In [25714]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 1:57 PM
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Basically, it doesn't matter if you made that walk a few weeks ago of if you made it 60 years ago.
The atmosphere and most of the surroundings are still intact. It is still game day and a feeling you never get over, no matter your age. My first visit to DV was in 1959 as a HS student. Later The many walks down that hill as aClemson student from the tin cans to the stadium and then meeting at the paw with my Clemson grad girlfriend by my side, whom has been my wife for 56 years feels the same as then.
Now, We just don't meet at the paw. That is for the younger fans who 50 years from now will still have that same feeling. At least I hope so.
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Oculus Spirit [90820]
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Hey Junk Yard Tiger,,,
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:10 PM
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you must be about 79 (me 82 but @ CU 2nd time after some service & married, thus out in 1966).
Didn’t know you attended UofL too.
Lastly, we have similar & great memories of seeing 1st game on campus as teenagers & while students!
Go TiGERS..ALL-IN all the time!
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All-In [25714]
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Re: Hey Junk Yard Tiger,,,
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:19 PM
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Attended U of L as grad student several years after graduating from Clemson.
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Legend [15530]
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Orange Blooded [3223]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 10:33 AM
[ in reply to Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina ] |
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That’s just fantastic! I also stopped gathering at the paw. I loved it as a kid. My Dad would throw passes and I’d dive into the endzone making an incredible play in my mind. I always tried to meet my favorite player and spend a minute talking to them. But I mostly threw and caught passes dreaming of playing for the Tigers. I never realized that dream. Heck, at 52 I’d still give anything to wear that uniform and run down that hill one time. My poor body wouldn’t do well getting hit! 😂 They would have to carry me off after one play.
I’ve been to a few games at Willy B. My wife and I honestly laughed at most of their traditions. The towels make so much dust! I couldn’t breathe or see by the end of the games.
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Orange Blooded [4461]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:05 PM
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Thanks David for the info. I went a couple of times in the Ford era and the fans were very abusive to my family and all Tiger Tiger. Danny usually got the best of them as has Dabo.
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CU Guru [1754]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:07 PM
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But, but, but the commentator on the SEC network said it was one of the best atmospheres in football.
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All-In [48355]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:08 PM
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Sorry pal, I couldn't disagree with you more. Even though I'm near 74 year old tiger, when I was young we'd go to both. You chose to dis my hometown. And unless you were born, bred and raised in south carolina, or the area, you're an outsider. You're just placating the masses and your little tnet clic. Is it a poor area, certainly. But it was my home for decades. And there are plenty of d a m n good, salt of the earth people.
Also, scar used to gather on the field too. TU, TD, ban me, idgas, I'm south carolina proud. Always will be.
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Orange Blooded [2306]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:13 PM
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You forgot to mention that #### pathetic chicken crowing on third down.
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CU Medallion [61846]
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But, the Choo-Choo-Train with Cocky??***
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:15 PM
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1st Rounder [649]
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Re: But, the Choo-Choo-Train with Cocky??***
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:48 PM
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It is actually an improvement to the #### in a box
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CU Guru [1438]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 2:20 PM
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From one upper deck you can look out over Lake Hartwell. From the other, you can catch some live criminal activity if you squint your eyes.
Go Tigers!
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All-In [27193]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 3:36 PM
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Those of us who married well certainly don't have to worry about how coots like their football.
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Varsity [219]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 4:09 PM
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The only mistake Sherman made in Columbia was that he didn’t complete his mission! That city is a DUMP!!!!
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Oculus Spirit [80430]
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Also coots suck.***
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Dec 7, 2023, 4:26 PM
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CU Medallion [65529]
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From another post, you continue to ignore the Elephant Squirrel in the room!
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Dec 7, 2023, 4:30 PM
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I have to admit, those tree rats CAN be truly aggravating at times. Especially if you try to keep bird feeders going, they will raid them like Vikings. There is a whole industry out there of trying to come up with a truly commercial squirrel proof bird feeder.
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CU Medallion [55432]
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Re: From another post, you continue to ignore the Elephant Squirrel in the room!
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Dec 8, 2023, 10:48 AM
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Squirrels will reek havoc on lawn or pool furniture, and the BEST remedy I've found for the squirrel population in my area is a 22 rifle and a baby bottle nipple pulled over the end of the barrel to act as a silencer. Just be sure to use a new nipple for every shot. A few boxes of 6 will usually thin them out  I very rarely see a squirrel in my yard anymore unless it's one that came from way down the street, but if I see them, they usually don't make it back to where they came from bc I don't intend to furnish material for squirrel nest anymore, especially if I see them!!!
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110%er [6900]
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Attend a game in a park like setting OR a sewer!***
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Dec 7, 2023, 4:46 PM
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110%er [5060]
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Re: Chickenlina ---
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Dec 7, 2023, 4:57 PM
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I JUST DON'T LIKE THEM.
I don't know if anyone ever seen something and was just automatically triggering you to be automatically repulsed by it.
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Athletic Dir [864]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 7, 2023, 5:01 PM
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There is a lack of traditional feel during game day in Columbia because the program lacks tradition
Always seemed like a dog and pony show down there put on by people who do not know any other way
And overall, Columbia is kind of a dump
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Legend [16263]
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Biggest difference I've experienced with each, and growing up in
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Dec 7, 2023, 6:20 PM
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and living in Columbia I've attended many a game at The Roach - they look to have their fun before the game because they know it's often downhill from there, while we enjoy ourselves in a buildup to the game that normally expands on that fun as it goes along. SCar tailgating has a lot more 'be seen' social quality to it whereas at Clemson it's much more of a medieval village gathering ahead of our boys going out and laying the wood on our hapless neighboring realm.
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Orange Blooded [4195]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 6:24 AM
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Thats the reason its called God's Country folks
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All-In [38124]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 6:32 AM
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Thanks David for the explanation which we all know but fail to appreciate sometimes.
Go Tigers!!! Beat Kentucky!!!
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Oculus Spirit [93677]
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They are so jealous they've turned it into hate.
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Dec 8, 2023, 7:34 AM
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Both can be equally destroying but hate is actually more obvious. Envy turns to jealously and jealously turns to contempt until contempt becomes full blown hate.
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110%er [6982]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 8:04 AM
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All I’ve seen are drunk mulleted rednecks talking trash to anyone in orange. Awful place.
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MVP [526]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 8:16 AM
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In a nutshell, Clemson is beautiful, S Carolina is ugly. Clemson fans are gracious, S Carolina fans are not.
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Orange Blooded [3223]
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Re: The difference between game experiences at Clemson and South Carolina
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Dec 8, 2023, 10:24 AM
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The biggest thing I feel you left out is how painful the towels are. It’s looks really cool; however, the bits of Terry cloth towels permeate the entire stadium. I saw one poor lady who had a terrible reaction and was oozing snot like she was made of the stuff. Her eyes were swollen almost completely shut. I felt the pain too, my eyes were so irritated and sinuses were full of tiny bits of towels. I honestly blew out Terri cloth for two days! IF I ever go back to little brothers stadium, I will wear goggles and a covid mask.
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Replies: 41
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