Scrap The Chocolate Chip Ice Cream And Stock Up On Rocky Road

The Palmetto Bowl is a rivalry that dates back more than one hundred years. For most of those years, it’s been a game in which UofSC fans have been on the losing side of as Clemson holds a 70-42-4 advantage over their in state rivals.

It’s not been all bad for Gamecock fans though. There was the five game winning streak from 2009-13, a three game winning streak from 1968-70, and a stretch in which they won 7 of 9 back between 1946-54. For the most part though, this is a series that Clemson has held the upper hand in.

If we’re being honest, it’s been more of a domination. Before the Gamecocks went on that five game streak, the Tigers had won 21-29 dating back to 1980. That includes a tie in 1986, meaning UofSC won just 7 games over what was pretty much a stretch of three decades. If that’s not domination, what is?

Currently the Tigers have matched that program best 5 game winning streak the Gamecocks had under Steve Spurrier. When November 30 rolls around, the Tigers will be looking for their sixth straight win in the rivalry game, which would be the longest winning streak in the series since the 1930’s when Clemson won 7 straight.

Two weeks ago, during his introductory press conference, incoming UofSC President Robert L. Casden was asked about the rivalry game and beating Clemson. He responded by saying,

“I told the board of trustees, and I just told the students, whatever team beats Clemson, whether it’s the debate team, whether it’s a club team or whether it’s the football team, they’re invited to my house for an ice cream sundae social.”

Sure, it’s safe to assume he was making an attempt to be humorous (although I seem to recall a certain fan base mocking a certain pizza party). However, these are the kind of quotes that once made, stick to you forever. Almost instantly, he became the butt of one joke after another on Clemson fan pages and message boards.

Last week Gamecocks head football coach Will Muschamp was asked about the ice cream party.

On a lighter note coach, you might like chocolate chip today, but let’s face it, by the time November 30 rolls around, you might want to stock up on plenty of rocky road. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, and looking back at the history of this Gamecock football program against Clemson, history hasn’t been kind. Add in that brutal schedule, and a rocky road is very likely what you’re navigating.