In 1985, Clemson and South Carolina were both 5-5 entering the final game of the season in Columbia.
It had been widely discussed prior to the game that the winner would go to the Independence Bowl.
Clemson won that game 24-17 to advance against Minnesota, a team coached by Lou Holtz during the regular season. Holtz did not coach in the bowl game against Clemson, however, as he accepted the Notre Dame head coaching position after the conclusion of the regular season.